Teacher Tom's Podcast: Taking Play Seriously

Laleña Garcia discusses how comparison and competition among kids have deep societal roots. She shares insights on trans joy, community care, and building inclusive spaces. Through personal stories and projects, Laleña aims to foster understanding and support for all identities.Teacher Tom’s Podcast is all about taking play seriously. In each episode, Teacher Tom inspires ear

Deeply passionate about early education, Denita Dinger promotes cultivating curiosity and autonomy in young learners by fostering environments rich in opportunities for play and natural growth—guiding principles she lives by to help ignite a love for lifelong learning in children. Denita discusses the often-misguided focus on kindergarten readiness and how it can detract from the

A passionate advocate for play, Kisha Reid sees early education as a landscape of exploration where risks and mess are essential. Through her unique learning center and ongoing work, she crafts environments where imagination and creativity flourish.

“Teacher Tom” Hobson introduces Neuroscience of Coaching, a new show on the Mirasee FM podcast network, hosted by Dr. Irena O’Brien. In this bonus episode, Ari Iny explores the “attention network” in our brains — where the secret to focus lies.

Life-derived learning sees lessons all around. It’s not about worksheets or standardized tests; it’s about viewing everyday life as the most vibrant and effective classroom there is. Education isn’t merely preparing for life, but rather, life itself.

A strong advocate for true inclusion and neurodiversity in schools, Kelsie Olds shares their expertise on therapy methods and the importance of children developing key skills — sensory, core strength, and fine motor — before diving into academics.

Abundant evidence shows the benefits of early childhood education through mind and body; yet, too many young kids aren’t being taught this way. Lisa Murphy shares a wealth of information supporting a pedagogy that incorporates all of the senses.

With the rise of preschools as little academies, Teacher Tom urges us to deeply question that model. In this episode, he explores the benefits of the cooperative preschool concept, which emphasizes first and foremost the students as community.

Too often in education, learning and play are separate. Suzanne Axelsson draws from a wealth of resources to challenge this dichotomy, providing numerous ways teachers can not only bring more play to children but also make it more fulfilling.

What would liberatory pedagogy mean in early childhood education? Dr. Denisha Jones is exploring and advocating exactly this — looking to dismantle systems that make children “uncurious” and replace them with reinvigorating and relevant learning.