As we step into 2026, this episode of the We Belong Education Podcast isn’t about reinvention or resolutions. It’s about reflection and awareness.

We take a moment to look back at what 2025 taught us, the lessons, the challenges, the moments that shaped how we show up, with greater consciousness, and talk honestly about what we’re choosing to carry forward. This is a conversation about intentionality: holding on to what matters, learning from what didn’t, and committing to do better without starting over.

Because growth doesn’t always look like a reset. Sometimes it looks like continuing, with more clarity, care, and courage than before.

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📲 Follow our journey at We Belong Education:

Facebook: ⁠⁠We Belong Education⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@‌2webelong⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠We Belong Education⁠⁠

🎙️ Connect with your hosts:

Dr Saurubh Malviya

Facebook: ⁠⁠Saurubh Malviya⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@saurubh_malviya⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Dr Saurubh Malviya⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠Dr Saurubh Malviya⁠⁠

Helen Pentecost

Instagram: ⁠⁠@‌webelongwithhelen⁠⁠

✨ Free resources for educators, families and teams: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/webelongeducation⁠⁠

💡 Interested in professional development for your team?

Get in touch with us at ⁠⁠[email protected] ⁠⁠

On this episode of the We Belong Education Podcast, Dr Saurubh Malviya and Helen Pentecost chat with Beth Robins, Communication Officer from Activated OSHC. They discuss how this national initiative, led by Professor Carol Maher, supports OSHC services in improving children’s physical activity and managing screen time.

We explore evidence-based strategies educators are using to create healthy, engaging program scheduling making the most of their environments and how co-design programs truly work in supporting the OSHC sector.

Find out more about Activated OSHC:

Website: activatedoshc.org.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Activated-OSHC/61569707384966/

Instagram: @activated_oshc

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📲 Follow our journey at We Belong Education:

Facebook: ⁠We Belong Education⁠

Instagram: ⁠@‌2webelong⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠We Belong Education⁠

🎙️ Connect with your hosts:

Dr Saurubh Malviya

Facebook: ⁠Saurubh Malviya⁠

Instagram: ⁠@saurubh_malviya⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠Dr Saurubh Malviya⁠

YouTube: ⁠Dr Saurubh Malviya⁠

Helen Pentecost

Instagram: ⁠@‌webelongwithhelen⁠

✨ Free resources for educators, families and teams: ⁠https://linktr.ee/webelongeducation⁠

💡 Interested in professional development for your team?

Get in touch with us at ⁠[email protected] ⁠

In this episode, we ask the question: What’s the point of listening to children if their voices aren’t backed by real advocacy? We dive into how education and care settings can move beyond tokenistic consultation and take meaningful action that centres children’s rights, perspectives, and lived experiences.

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📲 Follow our journey at We Belong Education:

Facebook: ⁠We Belong Education⁠

Instagram: ⁠@‌2webelong⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠We Belong Education⁠

🎙️ Connect with your hosts:

Dr Saurubh Malviya

Facebook: ⁠Saurubh Malviya⁠

Instagram: ⁠@saurubh_malviya⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠Dr Saurubh Malviya⁠

YouTube: ⁠Dr Saurubh Malviya⁠

Helen Pentecost

Instagram: ⁠@‌webelongwithhelen⁠

✨ Free resources for educators, families and teams:

⁠https://linktr.ee/webelongeducation⁠

💡 Interested in professional development for your team?

Get in touch with us at ⁠[email protected]

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Burton from Educated by Nature to explore the powerful idea of the energies we bring into our spaces.

Where did Daniel first encounter this concept, and how does it shape his work and life? We dive into his deep passion for outdoor play and nature-based education, not just for children, but for young people of all ages.

Join us for an inspiring chat about presence, connection, and the transformative power of nature.

Learn more about Daniel’s work at www.educatedbynature.com.

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Daniel is the CEO and co-founder of Educated by Nature, a world leader in play-based nature education since its establishment in 2014. With a background as a qualified primary school teacher, education consultant, rites of passage facilitator, musical theatre artist and passionate nature connection mentor, Daniel plays a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's vision and initiatives.

Drawing from over ten years of experience working with thousands of Australian children, Educated by Nature has developed a suite of research-based pedagogies aimed at bringing education outdoors and has gained international acclaim for its innovative approach to outdoor learning. Daniel aims to be a thought leader, sharing expertise through workshops, speaking engagements, and consultation sessions in Australia and further afield.

Daniel's passion for nature and commitment to holistic education shine through in his work. He combines current research with practical examples, drawing on a lifetime of learning and experience to provide comprehensive programs and transformative experiences for educators, parents, and children alike. Through Educated by Nature, Daniel continues to advocate for the importance of play and outdoor learning, empowering individuals to explore, discover, and thrive in nature's classroom.

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📲 Follow our journey at We Belong Education:
Facebook: We Belong Education
Instagram: @‌2webelong
LinkedIn: We Belong Education

🎙️ Connect with your hosts:
Dr Saurubh Malviya
Facebook: Saurubh Malviya
Instagram: @saurubh_malviya
LinkedIn: Dr Saurubh Malviya
YouTube: Dr Saurubh Malviya

Helen Pentecost
Instagram: @‌webelongwithhelen

✨ Free resources for educators, families and teams:
https://linktr.ee/webelongeducation

💡 Interested in professional development for your team?
Get in touch with us at [email protected]

This NAIDOC Week 2025, we’re joined by Lesley Woodhouse from Wingaru Education for a powerful conversation about Aboriginal education and how we can move beyond token gestures to genuine, daily inclusion. Lesley shares insights on culturally authentic resources, the importance of professional learning, and practical steps educators and organisations can take to ensure Aboriginal perspectives are embedded meaningfully into our programs.

Whether you’re an educator, leader, or simply passionate about reconciliation, this episode will inspire you to make every week one of respect, learning, and belonging.

🌿 Further Learning:

As promised in our podcast, and to help educators take their first steps, Lesley has kindly shared this list of reliable sources and products. It’s not a comprehensive guide, but a helpful kick-start for embedding Aboriginal perspectives in your practice:

Wingaru Education – https://www.wingaru.com.au

Riley Callie Resources – https://www.rileycallieresources.com.au

Deadly Science – https://deadlyscience.org.au

Magabala Books – https://magabala.com.au

Indigenous Literacy Foundation – https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au

Koori Curriculum – https://kooricurriculum.com

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📲 Follow our journey at We Belong Education:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2WeBelong

Instagram: @2webelong

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-belong-education/

🎙️ Connect with your hosts:

Dr Saurubh Malviya

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saurubh.malviya

Instagram: @2webelong

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saurubhmalviya2329/videos

Helen Pentecost

Instagram: @webelongwithhelen

✨ Free resources for educators, families and teams:

https://linktr.ee/webelongeducation

💡 Interested in professional development for your team?

Get in touch with us at [email protected]

In this special International Day of Play episode of the We Belong Education Podcast, we sit down with Robyn Monro Miller, CEO of Play Australia and a lifelong advocate for children’s rights and play. Together, we explore why the UN has officially recognised this global day, what it means for children around the world, and how you can get involved. From policy to playgrounds, Robyn shares her insights on how play shapes childhood, builds communities, and deserves to be protected.

Robyn also shares that Play Australia has launched its latest State of Play report, offering new insights into the current state of play across the country.

📄 Read the report here: https://www.playaustralia.org.au/sites/default/files/State%20of%20Play_final.pdf

Join us as we celebrate the power of play and shine a light on why it’s more than just fun, it’s fundamental!

#IDOP2025 #PlayAustralia

Follow Play Australia through their social media pages below:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playaus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playaustralia/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/play-australia/

Follow our journey at We Belong Education through the links below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2WeBelong
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2webelong/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-belong-education/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saurubhmalviya2329/videos

Connect with Dr Saurubh Malviya and follow his journey of supporting educators:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saurubh.malviya
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saurubh_malviya/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurubh-malviya/

✨ Check out our free resources for educators, families and teams:
https://linktr.ee/webelongeducation

💡 Interested in professional development for your team?
Get in touch with us at [email protected]

In this episode of the We Belong Education Podcast, we sit down with happiness researcher and founder of BU Happiness College, Declan Edwards, to explore what it truly means to live a fulfilling and joyful life. Together, we unpack the science of happiness and discuss how connection plays a powerful role in our wellbeing.

Whether you're exploring what it means to be truly present or curious about how happiness is cultivated, this episode is a gentle reminder that joy and mindfulness go hand in hand and that happiness is an imperfect journey.

About Declan:

Declan Edwards is a happiness researcher, author, and the founder of BU Happiness College, a social enterprise dedicated to helping people and workplaces build the skills that support long-term happiness and wellbeing. With a Master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology and over a decade of experience in the field, Declan has worked with thousands of individuals and organisations to make the science of happiness practical, measurable, and meaningful.

As an educator and soon-to-be parent himself, Declan is passionate about helping people lay strong emotional foundations at home, in the classroom, and the workplace. His work focuses on teaching core happiness skills, such as emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and resilience, which he believes are just as important as literacy or numeracy when it comes to raising healthy, fulfilled human beings.

Listen to Declan’s podcast, “How to Be Happy”:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0zriwga04Rl0pbjFuDF6Hl?si=1361a39f296e4b60
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/how-to-be-happy/id1361238593

Join the waitlist for Declan’s upcoming book: https://s.pointerpro.com/bookwaitlist

Find out more about bringing the skills and science of happiness to your workplace: https://buhappinesscollege.com/workplace-happiness-solutions/

Connect with Declan on your favourite social media platform by searching 'Declan Edwards' or 'That Happiness Guy'.

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Follow our journey at We Belong Education through the links below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2WeBelong
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2webelong/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-belong-education/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saurubhmalviya2329/videos

Connect with Dr Saurubh Malviya and follow his journey of supporting educators:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saurubh.malviya
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saurubh_malviya/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurubh-malviya/

✨ Check out our free resources for educators, families and teams:
https://linktr.ee/webelongeducation

💡 Interested in professional development for your team?
Get in touch with us at [email protected]

In this episode, we dive deep into the values and beliefs that shape how we show up in education and care. Beginning with personal beliefs and values and expanding into service and institutional philosophies.

Our conversation looks at how these layers intersect, align, and sometimes contradict one another and how they shape practice, relationships, and decision-making on the ground.

Follow our journey at We Belong Education through the links below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2WeBelong
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2webelong/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-belong-education/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saurubhmalviya2329/videos

Connect with Dr Saurubh Malviya and follow his journey of supporting educators:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saurubh.malviya
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saurubh_malviya/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurubh-malviya/

✨ Check out our free resources for educators, families and teams:
https://linktr.ee/webelongeducation

💡 Interested in professional development for your team?
Get in touch with us at [email protected]

In this episode of the We Belong Education Podcast, we turn our attention to the emotional well-being of educators in early childhood and school-aged care.

Often holding space for everyone else, educators can carry an unseen emotional load. Join us as we unpack the realities behind the role, exploring what emotional well-being looks like for those who nurture others every day.

With real stories, reflections, and practical strategies, we delve into how educators can feel seen, supported, and sustained in the work that matters most.

Follow our journey at We Belong Education through the links below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2WeBelong
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2webelong/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-belong-education/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saurubhmalviya2329/videos

Connect with Dr Saurubh Malviya and follow his journey of supporting educators:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saurubh.malviya
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saurubh_malviya/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurubh-malviya/

✨ Check out our free resources for educators, families and teams:
https://linktr.ee/webelongeducation

💡 Interested in professional development for your team?
Get in touch with us at [email protected]

In this episode of the We Belong Education Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Louise to explore the concept of professional love—what it means, why it matters, and how it shapes our work with children and communities. Together, we discuss the balance between emotional connection and professional boundaries, the role of trust in caregiving relationships, and the impact of belonging on learning and development.

Join us for this insightful conversation as we challenge common misconceptions and celebrate the power of meaningful, compassionate practice in education and care.

Links & Resources:
🔗 Sarah Louise Consulting
🔗 Asserting a Culture of Child Safety by Nicole Talarico
🔗 ECA The Spoke: Professional Love in Early Childhood Education

Got any questions for us? We'd love to hear them!

🔗 We Belong Education Podcast Question Form

Follow our journey at We Belong Education through the links below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2WeBelong
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2webelong/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-belong-education/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saurubhmalviya2329/videos

Connect with Dr Saurubh Malviya and follow his journey of supporting educators:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saurubh.malviya
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saurubh_malviya/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurubh-malviya/

✨ Check out our free resources for educators, families and teams:
https://linktr.ee/webelongeducation

💡 Interested in professional development for your team?
Get in touch with us at [email protected]