Podcasts that get to the heart of teaching
Season 2: Why They Do What They Do
As the health fund for the education community, we’re all about recognising and celebrating the dedication of our members. Day in, day out, they are having a profound impact on our students and communities. So we love sharing the stories of their passion and how it inspires and benefits us all.
In this second season of our podcast, we’ve again partnered with Kurt Fearnley to chat with science teacher Katie and psychology teacher Eve, to give us a glimpse into our teachers’ hearts and minds. From funny moments in the classroom to the big breakthroughs, they share the realities of lives spent giving so much to others.
Kurt Fearnley is a high school teacher, former professional wheelchair athlete and Paralympic Games medallist, as well as being our Teachers Health Group ambassador. As a media presenter, he loves sharing the stories of real Australians.
Science teacher, Katie Jones
Katie Jones never dreamed of following her mother into teaching. However her fascination with science led her to pursue her true calling – sharing her gift for critical thinking and staying curious about the world with her students. Katie loves it when her passion catches on, and talks about the audible sound a student makes when they finally understand something new!
Psychology teacher, Eve Ward
With both her parents being teachers, Eve knew her career would be equally joyous and challenging. Eve’s passion for psychology is obvious – she says it’s not only the most interesting subject, but the most popular. She laughs that her love of teaching is reaffirmed every holidays, when she misses her students so much she can’t wait to get back to school!
Season 1: The Teachers Who Shape Us
In our first podcast series, Kurt Fearnley chats with some of our favourite Aussies – Adam Hills, Jane Caro, Brian Schmidt, Nancy Penfold and Izzy Vincent – about the teachers who impacted them the most. From the memorable lessons to the moments of encouragement, it celebrates the teachers who make us who we are.
This podcast series is our way of showcasing the dedication of our members and all those in the education community. Every day, they are shaping the lives of so many, in ways they may not even realise!
Preview: A New Podcast Celebrating Teachers
To celebrate the teachers who inspire all of us, we’ve been working on a project with Kurt Fearnley. And like most of us, he has a teacher he remembers—the one who believed in him when no one else did. This podcast is his way of delving into what makes a teacher great and celebrating the educators who go beyond the curriculum to impact our lives.
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The Teachers Who Shaped Adam Hills
Adam Hills is the brilliant host of ‘Spicks and Specks’ and ‘The Last Leg’. He is known for his quick wit and infectious humour. Adam shares stories of the teachers who believed in him and shaped his journey. From unforgettable life lessons to recognition of his talents, we'll hear how they helped Adam become a much-loved comedian and TV host.
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The Teachers Who Shaped Jane Caro
Jane Caro is known for her passionate views on education and social issues. But she didn’t always have it easy at school—until one teacher saw her talent and believed in her. This episode explores the different teachers who really saw and encouraged Jane, and helped her become the compelling writer and thinker she is today.
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The Teachers Who Shaped Brian Schmidt
Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist Brian Schmidt shares his inspiring stories of the teachers who believed in him and nurtured his curiosity about the universe. From helping him reach for the stars to bringing him back down to earth, we'll discover how his relationship with his teachers helped him become such an esteemed scientist and educator.
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The Teachers Who Shaped Nancy Penfold
As a fifth generation public education teacher, Nancy Penfold is an esteemed educator whose dedication to nurturing young minds has left an indelible mark on many. In this episode, we delve into the stories of the teachers who influenced Nancy's journey, guiding her to become a passionate teacher and education advocate.
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The Teachers Who Shaped Izzy Vincent
Izzy Vincent is a Paralympic swimmer known for her advocacy for inclusive sport. This episode gives us a glimpse into Izzy’s school experience and how her favourite teacher created a positive competitive environment that helped spur her on to become the youngest athlete on the Australian Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Team at just 15.
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