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

  • #62 Clinical Planning Made Simple: Turning Goals into Progress

    This episode dives deep into the world of clinical planning—what it is, why it matters, and how it sets the stage for meaningful therapy outcomes. Lizzy and Emily unpack their step-by-step processes for creating long- and short-term goals, mapping out therapy plans, and making sure every session moves children closer to functional progress.

    You’ll hear real-world examples from both a speech pathology and exercise physiology perspective, insights on NDIS planning, and why reports are more than just paperwork—they’re the backbone of effective therapy. Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced clinician, this episode is full of practical strategies to help you plan with confidence, clarity, and connection.


    What You’ll Learn:

    - The purpose and power of clinical planning for therapy success

    - How to set functional goals that align with family priorities and NDIS requirements

    - Why flexibility is essential in pediatric therapy planning

    - Strategies for prioritising multiple goal areas without overwhelm

    - How to turn reports into clear, actionable therapy roadmaps

    - Ways to streamline planning so you can focus on connection in sessions


    Tools & Resources Mentioned:

    Emily’s Resources:

    Emily’s Preschool Language Hierarchy (updated with new research)

    The Beginner’s PLA Goal Selection Guide

    PLA Session Planner Starter

    Speechie Working Webinar


    Lizzy’s Resources

    Milestone Map

    Pre and Post Assessment Checklist


    Connect With Us:

    Lizzy Dawson

    Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au

    Instagram: @lizzydawson_

    Emily Mackie

    Website: www.emilymackie.com.au

    Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie


    Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

    If this episode helped shift your perspective or gave you a new tool for your parenting or professional practice, share it with someone else who’d benefit from it.

    Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive

    Watch on YouTube: Move.Talk.Thrive


    41 min
  • #61 The Power of Connection in Early Childhood with Dr. Siobhan

    In this insightful episode, Lizzy and Emily chat with Dr. Siobhan Kennedy-Costantini—developmental psychologist and founder of Science Minded—about how we can better support children through connection, especially in the wake of the pandemic.


    Siobhan shares her journey from academia to advocacy, her experiences as a mum of two sensitive kids, and how relationship-focused approaches can transform both therapy and early education. Together, they unpack why behaviour is communication, why delight matters, and what our “pandemic babies” are showing us about the power of presence.


    About Dr. Siobhan

    PhD in Developmental Psychology | Child Development Specialist | Founder of Science Minded

    Dr. Siobhan Kennedy-Costantini is a developmental psychologist and educator who helps parents and educators apply research in real, relatable ways. Through Science Minded, she offers accessible, evidence-based support on attachment, regulation, and responsive caregiving. She's a trained Circle of Security facilitator and mum of two.


    Connect with Dr. Siobhan Kennedy-Costantini

    Website: www.scienceminded.org
    Instagram: @science.minded

    Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

    If this episode helped shift your perspective or gave you a new tool for your parenting or professional practice, share it with someone else who’d benefit from it.

    Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive

    Watch 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


    1 hr
  • #60 Creating Space to Grow: Systems, Strategy, and Self-Trust with Nicole French

    In this energising and insightful conversation, Lizzy sits down with Nicole French—award-winning Exercise Physiologist, clinic owner, and fierce advocate for collaborative healthcare—to explore what it really takes to lead with purpose in the allied health space.

    Nicole shares her 19-year journey of building three successful clinics, stepping into advocacy, and redefining leadership by blending evidence-based care with creativity, fun, and strategic vision. From reshaping diabetes management to speaking in Parliament, Nicole reflects on the systems, mindset shifts, and people that helped her evolve from clinician to CEO—and why staying connected to your mission matters more than ever.


    Key Takeaways:

    • You can lead without doing it all. Managing yourself out creates space to lead strategically.
    • Systems build freedom. Strong foundations let your team—and ideas—thrive.
    • Fun matters. Creativity and play protect against burnout and spark innovation.
    • Resilience is a muscle. Mistakes, pivots, and setbacks are part of the journey.
    • Your energy is your edge. Honour what energises you—and build from there.
    • Leadership evolves. Be willing to grow, change, and redefine your role.
    • Advocacy takes time. Impact comes from credibility, consistency, and care.


    Connect with Nicole:

    🌐 exerciserehab.com.au | essendonphysiogroup.com.au

    📲 @nicole_french_ep

    💼 Nicole on LinkedIn

    Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

    If this episode helped you shift your mindset, subscribe and share it with someone else who needs that same reminder.


    Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive

    Watch on YouTube: Move.Talk.Thrive


    Connect With Us

    Lizzy Dawson

    Website: www.lizzydawson.com.a

    Instagram: @lizzydawson_


    Emily Mackie

    Website: www.emilymackie.com.au

    Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie


    1 hr
  • #59 How to Make Quarterly Planning A Habit You’ll Stick To

    This episode is all about quarterly planning—what it is, why it works, and how to make it practical for your life or business. Lizzy shares how she uses each new quarter as a reset point to check in on goals, review what’s working, and realign priorities. Whether you're a business owner, therapist, or juggling family life, this episode is full of strategies to help you plan in a way that’s effective, realistic, and energizing.

    What You'll Learn:

    The purpose and power of quarterly planning

    How to structure a quarterly reset without overwhelm

    What reflection questions to ask at the end of each quarter

    How to break down big goals into manageable chunks

    Tools and routines that make quarterly planning easier to stick to


    Tools & Resources Mentioned:

    Lizzy's Quarterly Planning Retreat Itinerary


    Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

    If this episode helped you shift your mindset, subscribe and share it with someone else who needs that same reminder.

    Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive

    Watch 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


    50 min
  • #58 Purpose, Burnout & Boundaries: What Every Helping Professional Should Know — with Kara Walsh

    In this inspiring and thought-provoking conversation, Emily sits down with Kara Walsh—purpose and leadership expert—to explore what it truly means to live a purposeful life. They dive deep into the modern-day crisis of disengagement at work, the difference between “helping” and true fulfillment, and how identity, burnout, and boundaries all connect back to purpose.

    Kara shares her personal story of shifting from teaching to founding The Purpose Company, where she now helps individuals articulate and live their unique purpose with intention.


    🔑 Key Takeaways:

    • Purpose isn’t just your job. It shows up across all areas of life.

    • Disengagement is common. 77% of workers feel disconnected—often due to lack of purpose.

    • Helping isn’t enough. Fulfillment comes from knowing how you help, not just that you do.

    • Even purpose-led people burn out. Boundaries are essential.

    • Comparison kills clarity. Be mindful of what you consume.

    • Purpose needs language. You can’t live what you can’t define.

    • Purpose stays the same. Its expression changes with life’s seasons.


    Connect with Kara:

    🌐 thepurpose.company

    📲 @thepurposecompany on Instagram


    Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

    If this episode helped you shift your mindset, subscribe and share it with someone else who needs that same reminder.

    Follow us on Instagram:

    @movetalkthrive

    Watch 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

    1 hr
  • #57 What Now? Responding to NDIS Changes Without Losing Your Why

    In this solo episode, Emily holds space for a reflective and intuitive conversation around recent shifts in the NDIS landscape. With Lizzy away, Emily dives into the realities of how changes are affecting businesses and clinicians, while exploring how to process it all emotionally and strategically.

    This episode is equal parts heartfelt, practical, and grounding—offering both mindset support and actionable direction for anyone navigating service delivery in uncertain times.


    Resources & Links

    Related Podcast Episodes:

    NDIS Deep Dive Episode: All about navigating NDIS as a provider, including mindset and planning strategies.

    Episode on Effective Meetings: How to communicate and collaborate efficiently.

    Episode on the Power of External Visits for Allied Health Professionals


    Courses & Coaches:

    • Julie Sexton – Business Coach for Speechies: Known for her practical and accessible Numbers Course.
    • Lantern Partners CFO Secrets Workshop: Lizzy’s recent Sydney Numbers Course facilitator 


    Governing Bodies to Follow for NDIS Updates:

    • Services Australia (SA)

    • OT Australia

    • Speech Pathology Australia (SPA)

    • Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)


    Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

    If this episode helped you shift your mindset, subscribe and share it with someone else who needs that same reminder.

    Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive

    Watch 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


    25 min
  • #56 Am I Doing It Right? Reframing Doubt Into Confidence

    In this episode, Emily and Lizzy dive into a powerful listener question that hits home for many professionals and parents alike: “How do I know if I’m doing it right?”

    Whether you're juggling the demands of parenting, managing a team, or running a business in the health or education space, the feeling of self-doubt can creep in. Emily and Lizzy unpack this mindset block, where it comes from, and how to reframe it for clarity and confidence.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • The mindset trap of “doing it right” — and where it stems from
    • Why external validation can’t define success
    • The role of self-trust and aligned decision-making
    • Navigating decision fatigue as a parent or professional
    • Creating clarity by defining your own values and goals

    • How to feel confident even when you’re in uncharted territory


    What You’ll Learn:

    • How to spot the signs of mindset sabotage and self-doubt
    • Strategies to stop overthinking and take aligned action
    • Why “right” might not be one-size-fits-all—and how to define your own version
    • How embracing “imperfect” action can reduce burnout and overwhelm


    Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

    If this episode helped you shift your mindset, subscribe and share it with someone else who needs that same reminder.

    Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive


    Watch 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


    25 min
  • #55 Understanding Health Awards & Leave: A Guide for Employers and Employees

    In this episode, Emily and Lizzy  dive into the often-confusing world of national and state awards for health employees. Whether you’re an employer trying to do right by your team or an employee wanting to understand your entitlements, this conversation will help you navigate the essentials—clearly and confidently.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • What industry awards are and how they affect both employees and business owners

    • The responsibilities of employers vs. employees in award compliance

    • A breakdown of the types of leave entitlements, including:

      • Annual leave

      • Personal/carer’s leave

      • Parental leave

      • Compassionate and bereavement leave

      • Long service leave

    • How to stay compliant and avoid common pitfalls

    • Why staying informed empowers both workplace sides

    What You’ll Learn:

    • How the Health Professionals and Support Services Award applies across various settings

    • What’s legally required vs. best practice when it comes to managing staff leave

    • Practical tips for ensuring fair entitlements and fostering a healthy work environment

    Resources & Mentions:

    • Fair Work Ombudsman – Health Professionals Award

    • National Employment Standards (NES)


      🔗 Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

    If this episode helped you feel more confident about those tough convos, subscribe and share it with someone who needs it.


    Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive

    Watch 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


    32 min
  • #54 Culture Check: Is Your Team Healthy?

    In this episode, Emily and Lizzy explore what it really takes to build a healthy and resilient team culture. They discuss what a strong team culture feels like day to day, the red flags of dysfunction, and actionable strategies to foster a workplace that supports everyone. Whether you're a business owner, team leader, or someone navigating team dynamics, this episode offers clear, compassionate guidance on creating a culture where people and purpose thrive.


    Key Takeaways

    • A resilient team culture is built on trust, safety, and connection.
    • Culture isn’t what you say—it’s what people feel daily.
    • Leadership plays a critical role in setting the emotional tone.
    • Warning signs of a struggling culture include disconnection and low engagement.
    • Regular, open communication strengthens cohesion and morale.
    • Real-life examples show how intentional culture shifts can transform teams.
    • Strong culture supports both personal fulfillment and business success.

    Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

    If this episode helped you feel more confident about those tough convos, subscribe and share it with someone who needs it.


    Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive

    Watch 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


    30 min
  • #53 Wearing All the Hats: The Reality of Juggling Roles in Business and Life

    In this episode, Lizzy and Emily dive into the real-life chaos of juggling multiple roles — as business owners, mums, and professionals. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to do it all, this episode is for you. Tune in as they share empowering mindset shifts, time-saving tips, and energy management strategies to help you thrive without burning out.


    What You’ll Learn:

    • Why “wearing all the hats” is a universal challenge
    • Mindset strategies to reduce guilt and boost productivity
    • How to prioritize tasks effectively (especially when time is limited)
    • Energy management tips to avoid burnout
    • How to balance parenting and business with intention and grace


    Key Takeaways:

    • Discomfort is normal, but preparation can make conversations more constructive.
    • Use values-based language and lead with empathy.
    • Small shifts in communication can make a big difference in how your message is received.
    • You can hold boundaries and be compassionate at the same time.


    Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

    If this episode helped you feel more confident about those tough convos, subscribe and share it with someone who needs it.


    📲 Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive

    🎥 Watch 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

    29 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.