Chalk and Coffee
Welcome to Chalk and Coffee, the podcast for teachers, early career educators, and parents who are passionate about creating a thriving environment for children. Join host Shana Roberts—an experienced educator, parent, and author—as she explores the vital roles of teachers and parents in shaping young lives. Through insightful interviews with professionals, parents, and authors, you’ll gain valuable perspectives, effective teaching strategies, and innovative approaches to support children through life’s challenges. This podcast also features regular episodes tailored specifically for early career teachers. Shana is deeply passionate about supporting new educators as they navigate the early stages of their teaching journey. These episodes offer practical advice, real-world insights, and encouragement to help you thrive in the classroom. Whether you’re an experienced teacher looking for fresh inspiration, a parent seeking guidance, or an early career educator eager for support, Chalk and Coffee provides the tools and connections to empower you. Join us today—your next cup of inspiration is just a listen away!
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Episodes
Thursday Nov 27, 2025
Thursday Nov 27, 2025
I’m joined by Kurtis Hewson from Jigsaw Learning to talk about creating strong, supportive teams around children.
Such a powerful conversation for teachers, leaders, and parents.
Get in touch with a Kurtis
Website
Instagram
Linkedin
Resources Mentioned in the Episode
Collaborative Response
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Until next time, take care.
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
In this week’s Chalk and Coffee, I’m joined by Nimisha Kantharia, a surgeon and mindfulness teacher.
We dive deep into emotional intelligence, being mindful, mindfulness, and how mindfulness can help parents model emotional regulation for their children, rather than relying on words alone.
Get in touch with a Nimisha
Website
Instagram
Resources Mentioned in the Episode
10% Happier by Dan Harris
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Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
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If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.
Until next time, take care.
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
In this heartfelt episode of Chalk and Coffee, I’m joined by Leisa Fail, author of the beautifully illustrated children’s book Stormy Normy.
Leisa shares how her deep love of horses inspired her creative journey and how Stormy Normy was born from a desire to help children understand and express big feelings in safe, supported ways.
We chat about the power of storytelling in emotional development, and how characters can help children see their own stormy days reflected with empathy, humour, and heart.
Get in touch with a Leisa
Linktree
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If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.
Until next time, take care.
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
On this episode of Chalk and Coffee, I sit down with Atara Parkinson, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, to explore the deep connections between emotional wellbeing, physical health, and healing.
With over 14 years of experience supporting women through trauma, postpartum recovery, and holistic mental health, Atara shares her journey from traditional therapy to a more integrated approach. We talk about nervous system regulation, the role of minerals in brain and body health, and how simple shifts can transform not only how we feel, but how we relate to ourselves and others.
Atara also brings a whole child perspective, recognising how different elements of a child’s life and environment work together to support their growth. We explore what we can learn when we widen our lens. She also breaks down different types of worries that people experience.
Whether you’re a parent or an educator, this conversation is full of real tools, gentle wisdom, and empowering insight.
Get in touch with a Atara
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Resources Mention in the Episode
Dr Gabor Mate
The Feeling of What Happens: Body and Emotion in the Making of Consciousness by Antonio Damasio
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Until next time, take care.
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
This week, I’m joined by Sabrina Trobak, a former teacher turned counsellor and author of NOT GOOD ENOUGH: Understanding Your Core Belief and Anxiety.
We dive into how our unspoken inner narratives, especially the belief that we’re not good enough, affect everything from our mental health to our relationships with students, children, and even ourselves.
Purchase a copy of her book on Amazon Australia, Amazon USA or directly from her website.
Get in touch with a Sabrina
Website
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Youtube
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Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
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If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.
Until next time, take care.
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
This week on Chalk and Coffee, I chat with Irene Becker — founder of 99aupairs, a game-changing platform helping families find flexible in-home care for children.
We dive into how 99aupairs started, challenges faced by working parents, and how thoughtful care solutions can bring more balance, confidence, and peace of mind.
Get in touch with a Irene
99aupairs Website
Facebook
Instagram
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Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
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If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.
Until next time, take care.
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
This week on Chalk and Coffee, I chat with Daisy Jo Bear — author of a magical picture book where a scrappy green fairy helps clean up the environment, rescues a dog, and maybe even mend a broken heart.
We explore how her story came to life, how books can open conversations about grief, friendship, and care for the planet — and why a little fairy mischief might be just what we all need.
Get in touch with a Daisy Jo
Daisy Jo's Linktree
Australian Self Published Children's Authors Facebook Group
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Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
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If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.
Until next time, take care.
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
This week on Chalk and Coffee, I sit down with the amazing Kylee Leota — educator, facilitator, and founder of Elements 4 Success.
Kylee brings a wealth of knowledge from her time in education leadership and now works across sectors to support sustainable behaviour change, confidence building, and purposeful living.
We talk about what it takes to create change — not just in schools, but in people’s lives — and how the right tools (and mindset) can make all the difference.
Get in touch with a Kylee
Elements 4 Success
Book: Infinate Leadership
Infinate Leadership Resources
Facebook
Instagram
Contact Form
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Until next time, take care
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
In this episode, I chat with Cath McPhillips — a brilliant educator who’s experienced it all: classroom teaching, support roles, and working across both public and private sectors.
Cath opens up about the challenges and joys of each teaching environment, how she’s stayed grounded through the shifts, and what matters most when building connection and impact in any role.
Whether you’re teaching in a school, leading a team, or mentoring others — you’ll find inspiration in Cath’s honest and thoughtful reflections.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode
Berry Street Education Model
iDoceo
Seesaw
Tom Bennett - Running the Room
Get in touch with a Cath
Email Nurture Connect Play
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Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
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If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.
Until next time, take care.
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Wednesday May 14, 2025
I continue my chat with Charlotte Sharp—a highly qualified counsellor, coach, clinical supervisor, and trainer with a wealth of experience working with adults and teens who have experienced trauma and are neurodivergent.
Charlotte is passionate about supporting individuals on their healing journey and equipping caregivers with the skills they need to provide trauma-informed care. She also works closely with residential children's care homes, delivering essential training on trauma care and support.
Recently, Charlotte launched a parenting group aimed at empowering parents with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of trauma and neurodiversity. In this episode, we’ll dive into her experiences, insights, and practical tips for parents, educators, and caregivers alike.
If you're looking to better support neurodivergent individuals or navigate trauma with greater empathy and knowledge, this episode is a must-listen!
Get in touch with a Charlotte
Charlotte's Website
Instagram
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Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
Visit my website
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Feature as a Guest
If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.
Until next time, take care.