Podclass - Podcast for Teachers and Educators

• #67 - The One About What We're Getting Wrong About Young People

  Hosts: Scott Huck, Amanda Marshall, and Will MasaraRun Time: ~18 minutesSummary: In this energising and insightful episode of Podclass, the trio tackles a big question: What are we getting wrong about young people? From generational assumptions to outdated stereotypes, this episode is a call to reframe how we view, support, and speak about Gen Z and Gen Alpha. With a mix of laughs, data, and raw truths, Scott, Amanda, and Will unpack the disconnect between generations and challenge educators, adults, and society to lead with empathy over judgement.Whether you're a teacher, parent, youth worker or just care about the next generation, this is a must-listen.🔍 Episode Segments“We don’t say the K word!” – Respecting Language and Lifting Expectations“We call them young people because that’s really respectful. You have to do 10 push-ups if you say the K word!”The team opens by unpacking the language we use about young people, highlighting how even small shifts in terminology shape our attitudes. It sets the stage for a broader discussion on stereotypes and why the phrase “kids these days” misses the mark.Bridging the Generational Gap: Assumptions, Empathy and Real Talk“Imagine the difference in our schools if adults led with curiosity instead of judgement.”The hosts dive deep into the widening divide between generations. They reflect on how societal shifts, climate instability, economic uncertainty, and digital overload have made traditional pathways obsolete. Gen Z and Gen Beta are navigating complexity without a roadmap – and they’re doing it with courage.Redefining Resilience and Supporting Young People“This generation might need the most resilience we’ve ever seen – but they’re labelled as fragile.”The conversation challenges the myth that young people are ‘snowflakes’ or lack resilience. The team explores the neuroscience of stress, the impact of overstimulation, and why regulation, autonomy, and emotional literacy are the new frontier in education. It’s a rallying cry to stop managing behaviour and start building connection.🧠 Practical Strategies for EducatorsLead with Curiosity, Not Judgement: Ask “What might they be trying to tell us?” rather than “Why are they like this?”Model Emotional Regulation: Students are emotionally literate – they expect the same from adults.Prioritise Autonomy: Give students meaningful choice and voice in learning environments.Focus on Relational Safety over Control: Consistent boundaries build trust and connection.Reframe 'Attention-Seeking': It's connection-seeking – respond with compassion.🎉 ConclusionYoung people are not a problem to be fixed – they are a generation navigating chaos, climate, and change with extraordinary resilience. This episode calls on adults to drop the comparisons and meet them where they are, with curiosity, compassion, and clarity.🔗 Explore more episodes of Podclass at www.ylaaus.com/podclass 📲 Follow us on Instagram @podclass.aus 🌐 YEP: youthengagementproject.com | YLAA: ylaaus.com

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• #67 - The One About What We're Getting Wrong About Young People

  Skye Hughes, Wil Massara and Amanda Marshall tackle a big question: What are we getting wrong about young people? From generational assumptions to outdated stereotypes, this episode is a call to reframe how we view, support, and speak about Gen Z and Gen Alpha. With a mix of laughs, data, and raw truths, we unpack the disconnect between generations and challenge educators, adults, and society to lead with empathy over judgement.Whether you're a teacher, parent, youth worker or just care about the next generation, this is a must-listen.🔍 Episode Segments“We don’t say the K word!” – Respecting Language and Lifting Expectations“We call them young people because that’s really respectful. You have to do 10 push-ups if you say the K word!”The team opens by unpacking the language we use about young people, highlighting how even small shifts in terminology shape our attitudes. It sets the stage for a broader discussion on stereotypes and why the phrase “kids these days” misses the mark.Bridging the Generational Gap: Assumptions, Empathy and Real Talk“Imagine the difference in our schools if adults led with curiosity instead of judgement.”The hosts dive deep into the widening divide between generations. They reflect on how societal shifts, climate instability, economic uncertainty, and digital overload have made traditional pathways obsolete. Gen Z and Gen Beta are navigating complexity without a roadmap – and they’re doing it with courage.Redefining Resilience and Supporting Young People“This generation might need the most resilience we’ve ever seen – but they’re labelled as fragile.”The conversation challenges the myth that young people are ‘snowflakes’ or lack resilience. The team explores the neuroscience of stress, the impact of overstimulation, and why regulation, autonomy, and emotional literacy are the new frontier in education. It’s a rallying cry to stop managing behaviour and start building connection.🧠 Practical Strategies for EducatorsLead with Curiosity, Not Judgement: Ask “What might they be trying to tell us?” rather than “Why are they like this?”Model Emotional Regulation: Students are emotionally literate – they expect the same from adults.Prioritise Autonomy: Give students meaningful choice and voice in learning environments.Focus on Relational Safety over Control: Consistent boundaries build trust and connection.Reframe 'Attention-Seeking': It's connection-seeking – respond with compassion.🎉 ConclusionYoung people are not a problem to be fixed – they are a generation navigating chaos, climate, and change with extraordinary resilience. This episode calls on adults to drop the comparisons and meet them where they are, with curiosity, compassion, and clarity.🔗 Explore more episodes of Podclass at www.ylaaus.com/podclass 📲 Follow us on Instagram @podclass.aus 🌐 YEP: youthengagementproject.com | YLAA: ylaaus.com

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• #66 - The One About Trauma Informed Practice

  Hosts: Wil Masara, Amanda Marshall, Skye Hughes 🎧 A deep dive into what trauma-informed practice actually means, why it matters, and how educators can embody it every day.Episode SummaryIn Episode 66 of Podclass, Wil, Amanda and Skye return as a trio to tackle one of the most significant and misunderstood topics in education today – trauma-informed practice.They explore what trauma actually is (spoiler: it’s not just the event, it’s the body’s response), how it shows up in young people, and the subtle but powerful shifts educators can make to foster safer, more responsive learning environments.Whether you're new to the idea of trauma-informed work or have been trying to embed it into your teaching, this episode offers both grounding and growth.“Trauma-informed practice isn't reserved for those we ‘know’ have trauma – it's best practice for all young people.” – AmandaWhat We Talked AboutWhat Is Trauma, Really?The hosts unpack the real definition of trauma – not the event, but how the body responds – and explain the four key trauma responses: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn.“Fawn is often misunderstood – it’s people-pleasing as protection. That hit home for me.” – SkyeThey also break down types of trauma: simple, complex, generational, and developmental, and why these matter for educators to recognise.The Escalation Wave & TriggersDrawing on the escalation wave model, the team explains what happens in the nervous system during heightened states, and how a trauma-informed lens helps us notice, respond, and de-escalate rather than inflame.“The tone you use matters more than the words – it can either say ‘you’re safe’ or ‘you’re not safe’.” – WilReal-World Strategies for EducatorsYou’ll hear concrete, immediately actionable ideas – from predictable routines to tone awareness, to the power of relational safety and “letting them catch your calm.”“Behaviour isn’t personal, it’s communication. That mindset shift changes everything.” – AmandaPractical Strategies for EducatorsTone Before Talk: Prioritise a calm, regulated tone before content – tone communicates safety more than words do.Predictability Over Perfection: Routines reduce stress and help young people stay in their window of tolerance.Co-Regulation Is Key: Your calm matters. Young people can’t regulate alone in moments of escalation – they need your presence.Avoid Power Struggles: Ultimatums or reactive language can escalate the moment. Instead, use simple, reassuring phrases like “You’re safe” or “I’m here.”Invest in Relationships: Time spent building trust with students is never wasted – it’s your strongest tool in prevention and support.ConclusionTrauma-informed practice is not about fixing or diagnosing. It’s about showing up for young people in ways that honour their stories, support their nervous systems, and create safer environments for all.Even the smallest shift – like tone – can be transformational.🎧 Listen now at: www.ylaaus.com/podclass 📱 Follow us on IG: @podclass.aus 🌟 Brought to you by: YEP and YLAA

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• #65 - The One About Bullying with Lucy Thomas

  🎙 Hosts: Skye Hughes, Amanda Marshall & Wil Masara 🎧 Guest: Lucy Thomas, CEO & Co-Founder of Project RockitIn this powerful follow-up to Episode 64, the Podclass team reunites with long-time youth advocate Lucy Thomas to unpack the big, complex, and ever-relevant topic of bullying. From personal stories to systemic change, this episode challenges educators, families, and communities to see bullying differently – and respond with more empathy, insight, and action.Lucy shares the origin story of Project Rockit, which turns 20 next year, and reflects on what’s changed (and what hasn’t) in the bullying landscape across two decades of student-led advocacy.Segment 1: From a Park Bench to a National Movement"Kindness should be the norm. You shouldn't have to be tough to gain acceptance." – LucyLucy shares how a conversation on a beachside bench with her sister Rosie sparked the launch of Project Rockit. Born from moments of witnessing harm and a drive to change the culture of silence in schools, the program began as a heartfelt "project" – and grew into one of Australia's most trusted youth-led movements tackling bullying, hate, and prejudice.Segment 2: The Changing Face of Bullying"We need to stop labelling students as 'bullies' or 'victims'. Bullying is a behaviour, not an identity." – LucyFrom early Facebook days to today's hyper-connected world, bullying has changed shape. Lucy explores how technology has amplified both harm and healing, and why traditional definitions of bullying are failing young people. Students are calling for new language, earlier intervention, and deeper understanding.Segment 3: What Actually Works in Schools"Young people won’t forget what you said or did – they’ll remember how you made them feel." – SkyeThe hosts and Lucy explore how genuine connection, psychological safety, and youth voice are critical in anti-bullying programs. Project Rockit flips the script with strategies that centre students as experts, build trust before teaching content, and challenge harmful norms in safe, meaningful ways. Even small teacher actions – a lunch spot, a walk to the bus – can change a life.Practical Strategies for EducatorsStart Early, Before There’s a Problem – Build connection and values-based thinking in students from the outset.Avoid Labels – Focus on behaviour change, not identity-based language.Elevate Student Voice – Create space for young people to lead, reflect, and contribute.Respond With Empathy – Students need to be heard before action is taken.Use Peer Role Models – Peer-led delivery creates impact through relatability.ConclusionBullying isn’t just a schoolyard issue – it’s a societal challenge that requires smart, sensitive, and student-centred solutions. Lucy Thomas reminds us that real change happens when we treat young people as powerful, capable, and worthy of respect. This episode is a tribute to the educators who quietly change lives – one act of kindness at a time.🎧 Listen to Podclass on all major platforms 🔗 www.ylaaus.com/podclass 📲 Follow on Instagram: @podclass.aus 🌐 Learn more: Youth Engagement Project | YLAA

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• #64 - The One About the Social Media Ban with Lucy Thomas

  Hosted by Amanda Marshall, Skye Hughes, and Will Masara Special guest: Lucy Thomas (CEO and Co-founder of PROJECT ROCKIT)In this unmissable episode, we sit down with long-time youth advocate Lucy Thomas to unpack one of the most pressing and controversial issues impacting young Australians today — the proposed ban on social media for under 16s. From the role of youth voice to the complexities of digital culture, Lucy brings both clarity and compassion to a conversation that demands nuance.If you're an educator, youth worker, policymaker or young person trying to navigate what this means for you, this episode is essential listening.🎧 Listen now: www.ylaaus.com/podclass💬 “Nothing about us without us” – Youth voice, ignored again?Lucy reflects on PROJECT ROCKIT’s beginnings in 2006, sparked by the absence of student voice in anti-bullying initiatives. Fast forward nearly two decades, and the same problem persists — young people are being talked about, not with.“It’s kind of sad, but 20 years later, it’s a déjà vu experience... this time it's politicians and parental lobbying groups deciding what young people need.”The episode explores the dangers of bypassing youth participation, especially in policies that directly affect their lives. The social media ban is framed not just as a tech issue, but as a civic rights issue.📱 What’s actually happening on December 10?Lucy outlines the rushed path the Albanese government took from inquiry to policy. Despite a Senate report not recommending a ban, the government fast-tracked a restriction on platforms for under-16s, citing public sentiment rather than youth insight.“89% of the Australian public supported the ban… but 80% admitted they didn’t understand what it involved.”The group explores how fear and nostalgia shape adult perceptions of social media, often overlooking the complexity and real value it holds for young people, especially those experiencing marginalisation.🤝 “Safe adults, not surveillance” – What young people need from us nowAs the ban takes effect, Lucy urges adults not to moralise or panic, but instead to show up for young people with curiosity and care.“Whether it’s news, community, identity or mental health support, social media is more than just entertainment… and removing it will create grief.”Rather than viewing this as the end of a chapter, educators are encouraged to use this “delay” as a window to build digital literacy, resilience, and co-designed alternatives — not to retreat from the conversation.🎓 Practical Strategies for Educators1. Create Space for Grief and DialogueAcknowledge that for many students, this change may feel like a loss.Validate their emotions and stay curious, not judgmental.2. Teach Digital Citizenship, Not Just “Online Safety”Help students build critical thinking, ethical online behaviour, and self-regulation — even in the absence of platforms.3. Strengthen Offline Connection and IdentityFacilitate opportunities for identity-building and community offline, particularly for students who may lose vital online spaces.4. Be a “Safe Adult”, Not a Surveillance SystemReassure students that the burden of compliance is on platforms, not on them. Let them know you're a safe person to talk to about what they’re experiencing.🎧 Listen + ConnectCatch the episode here: www.ylaaus.com/podclass Follow @podclass.aus on Instagram for updates and highlights. Learn more about PROJECT ROCKIT: https://www.projectrockit.com.au/#StudentVoice #DigitalWellbeing #YouthEmpowerment

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