Best Lighthearted Real World Issues Podcasts (2025)

1
The Episode All About A Festive Room 101 33:00

6M ago33:00

33:00

In this festive episode of the Little Minds Big Ideas podcast with Ben and Emily from the Early Years Network, we wrap up our 2024 season. While discussing our holiday plans and new content for January 2025, we also dive into some fun segments like the Christmas Room 101 and debate the best Christmas movies. Amidst all the light-hearted fun, we tou…

1
Dear Diary: Embracing Self-Pride and Celebrating Achievements 12:35

6M ago12:35

12:35

In this episode of Diary of an Early Years Educator, Emily reflects on a chaotic week that included staffing issues and personal achievements. She discusses the importance of self-pride, celebrating small victories, and appreciating your team. Emily also shares her excitement for Christmas, the joy of picking a real tree, and the significance of pr…

1
The Episode All About Safeguarding Challenges 37:36

6M ago37:36

37:36

In this episode of 'Little Minds Big Ideas,' hosts Ben and Emily tackle sensitive topics such as child sexual abuse, rape, and sexual assault, particularly within family environments. They explore a recent damning report on systemic failures in safeguarding children, emphasising the need for better training, risk assessments, and multi-agency colla…

1
The Episode All About Employee Motivation 34:55

6M ago34:55

34:55

In this episode of the Little Minds Big Ideas Podcast, hosts Ben and Emily discuss the importance of staff motivation in the realm of early years education. They highlight the impact of motivated staff on children's outcomes, team collaboration, and consistent attendance. The discussion covers various ways to show appreciation and recognise staff, …

1
THE ROCK BOTTOM PODCAST - EPISODE 20 - A SERIES: THE GREAT IMPERSONATORS WE ARE: Installment 4 : Narcissism - inspired by halsey 48:34

6M ago48:34

48:34

In this video, we dive deep into the complex and often misunderstood nature of narcissism. From the early stages of inflated self-importance to the eventual unraveling of the narcissistic facade, we explore how narcissistic traits evolve and manifest over time. We'll break down the key stages of narcissism, including the initial grandiosity, the de…

1
Dear Diary: Celebrating Our Team 17:17

6M ago17:17

17:17

In this episode of 'Diary of an Early Years Educator,' Emily Macfarlane shares the highlights and challenges of organising a recent award ceremony to celebrate the staff from all four nurseries in their network. Held on a Saturday night, the event featured a quiz, formal attire, and multiple awards recognising long service, learning through play, p…

1
The Episode All About Culture Capital 31:39

6M ago31:39

31:39

In this episode of the Little Minds Big Ideas podcast, hosts Ben and Emily from the Early Years Network discuss various topical issues despite suffering from lingering coughs. They start with a light-hearted apology for their health and then delve into recent news about the American elections, touching upon Trump's educational policies. They explor…

1
The Episode All About Process Over Product 17:41

6M ago17:41

17:41

In this episode of 'The Diary of an Early Years Educator,' Emily discusses her recent challenges and successes, including planning an awards ceremony and dealing with illness. She emphasises the importance of focusing on the process rather than the product in early years education, particularly during the Christmas season. Emily offers various Chri…

1
Dear Diary: Positive Vibes in Early Years Education 15:27

7M ago15:27

15:27

In this episode of The Diary of an Early Years Educator, Emily takes over for Ben, who is unwell, to share some positivity in the early years education field. She addresses the negative atmosphere prevalent on social media and offers several uplifting viewpoints on the joy and fulfilment of working with young children. Emily emphasises the exciteme…

1
Dear Diary: EYFS Updates and Tough Talks with Parents 17:42

7M ago17:42

17:42

In this episode of 'The Diary of an Early Years Educator,' Emily shares her recent experiences, including a Halloween event, battling tonsillitis, and updates on the EYFS changes effective from November 1st. She also delves into managing difficult conversations with parents, offering practical tips on maintaining honesty, privacy, and child-focused…

1
The Episode All About Halloween Room 101 30:20

7M ago30:20

30:20

Join Ben and Emily for a special Halloween edition of the Little Minds, Big Ideas Podcast. While Emily battles tonsillitis, they discuss their experiences with Halloween, share opinions on the spookiest holiday traditions, and debate what should go into their Halloween Room 101. From trick-or-treating mishaps to the controversy of pumpkin patches, …

1
The Episode All About True or False Early Years Edition 37:08

7M ago37:08

37:08

Join hosts Ben and Emily in the latest episodes of the Little Minds, Big Ideas Podcast as they recount their hilarious adventures in Cornwall, address the drama and dynamics of Big Brother, and dive into the complexities of early childhood development. From sharing favourite spots and experiences in Cornwall to discussing the challenges faced by ce…

1
Dear Diary: Cornwall, Assessments & Observations 13:23

7M ago13:23

13:23

In this episode of her diary, Emily shares insights from her staycation in Cornwall and delves into the crucial role of written assessments in early childhood education. She discusses the importance of documentation for tracking children's development and ensuring continuity of care, even when key educators are absent. Emily highlights the varied a…

1
Dear Diary: Fangirls, Concerts and Mcfly 17:38

7M ago17:38

17:38

In this episode of 'Diary of an Early Years Educator,' host Emily reflects on the joys of growing up as a fangirl and shares personal memories of attending concerts of favourite bands like McFly, Busted, and Olly Murs. Emily tells stories about bonding with her sister over music and cherishing those moments. She also emphasises the importance of pu…

1
The Episode All About The Internet & Childhoods 53:40

8M ago53:40

53:40

Join Ben and Emily in this episode of the Little Minds, Big Ideas podcast as they navigate the rainy day atmosphere to discuss Ofsted's latest report on early years education and the crucial role of the internet in early childhood and across modern society as a whole. They examine the advantages and pitfalls of the internet, its influence on global…

1
Dear Diary: Managing Our Emotions 17:47

8M ago17:47

17:47

In this week's entry of 'Diary of an Early Years Educator,' Emily reflects on the emotional challenges of working in early years settings. As she navigates her personal and professional life, Emily discusses the importance of understanding and managing emotions—both her own and those of children, colleagues, and parents. She emphasises the value of…

1
Dear Diary: Reflection, Loneliness, and My Mum, Your Dad 18:21

8M ago18:21

18:21

In this week’s episode, Emily takes a reflective turn as she discusses the overwhelming response to last Monday’s episode on how the education industry views early years professionals. She shares a positive message about self-compassion—reminding you that you can’t do it all and that’s okay! Emily also opens up about her recent thoughts on loneline…

1
The Episode All About Urban vs Rural Upbringings 39:01

8M ago39:01

39:01

In this episode of the Little Minds Big Ideas podcast with the Early Years Network, hosts Emily and Ben discuss the differences between rural and urban upbringings. They explore various aspects such as education, community, healthcare, independence, and more, while sharing their personal experiences. The episode also touches on recent government pl…

1
Dear Diary: How the outside world perceives early years. 19:40

8M ago19:40

19:40

In this episode of 'Diary of an Early Years Educator,' Emily reflects on her week and discusses an important issue prompted by a recent education conference she attended. Emily shares her thoughts on professionalism in early years education, the importance of uniforms, and the unfortunate perception gap between early years educators and other educa…

1
Dear Diary: Do work friendships last? 17:59

8M ago17:59

17:59

This episode, Emily gets real about a topic we all struggle with – friendships at work! 💬 She’s sharing the highs and lows of navigating relationships with colleagues, and how to know if those friendships are for life or just for the workplace. From forming deep connections with co-workers to facing the heartbreak when they fizzle out, Emily opens …

1
The Episode All About Workplace Culture 39:21

8M ago39:21

39:21

In this lively and candid episode of Little Minds, Big Ideas, Ben and Emily dive into the complexities of workplace culture. After a bit of tech trouble (they weren’t recording the first time around!), they tackle everything from the importance of feeling respected at work to the perks that really matter – like, who’s responsible for the office mil…

1
Dear Diary: Can we talk about mealtimes? 22:44

8M ago22:44

22:44

This week, Emily is back with a fresh perspective (after surviving a nasty bug!) and she's diving into one of the most chaotic yet rewarding parts of any early years setting – mealtimes! From the panic of baby room spills to the stress of managing allergies, Emily gets real about why this part of the day is no walk in the park. But it’s not all str…

1
Dear Diary: It's time to get organised! 18:40

8M ago18:40

18:40

In this week's episode of The Diary of an Early Years Educator, I’m diving into one of my favourite (and sometimes frustrating!) topics—organisation in an early years setting. From the must-do's to my personal pet peeves, I’m sharing practical tips that will make your day-to-day run smoother and help keep things in order. Whether it's labelling nap…

1
Dear Diary: Let me introduce myself. 14:45

8M ago14:45

14:45

Hey there, I’m Emily Macfarlane, and welcome to The Diary of an Early Years Educator! This podcast is your go-to space for honest, down-to-earth conversations about the realities of working with young children. Every week, I’ll be sharing personal stories from my time in early years, along with practical tips, funny moments, and reflections on ever…

1
The Episode All About Ofsted Inspections 39:06

9M ago39:06

39:06

In this weeks episode of Little Minds, Big Ideas, Ben and Emily take a deep dive into the results of Ofsted's Big Listen consultation and the major reforms shaking up the inspection landscape. They explore the monumental shift from single-word judgments to more comprehensive report cards, aimed at providing a fuller picture of school performance wh…

1
The Episode All About Habits & Routines 38:55

9M ago38:55

38:55

This week on Little Minds, Big Ideas Ben & Emily explore the science behind how routines and habits shape early childhood development. Discover how these daily practices influence brain growth, learning, and emotional well-being, providing young minds with the structure and stability they need to thrive. Join us as we delve into the critical role t…

1
The Episode All About The Perfect Educator 28:23

9M ago28:23

28:23

In this week's exciting episode of Little Minds, Big Ideas, Ben and Emily dive into the essential qualities that define the 'perfect' early years educator. From the art of communication to the necessity of inner curiosity, they explore the diverse and crucial skills that make educators truly exceptional in the wonderful world of early childhood edu…

1
The Episode All About School Readiness 43:44

9M ago43:44

43:44

In this episode of *Little Minds, Big Ideas*, Ben and Emily from The Early Years Network dive into the essential topic of school readiness. They kick off by sharing exciting updates from their learning platform and discuss a new, innovative payment concept for parents emerging from Warwickshire. The heart of the episode is all about understanding w…

1
The Episode All About Early Years Backpacks 29:48

9M ago29:48

29:48

In this weeks episode of Little Minds, Big Ideas Ben takes a back seat as Emily is joined by the wonderful nursery manager Rachael! This week the girls are discussing ways in which parents can provide their little one’s the very best start in nursery, or more specifically the do’s and don’ts when packing a nursery backpack. So, join two best friend…

1
The Episode All About A Social Reality 45:46

10M ago45:46

45:46

In this episode of Little Minds, Big Ideas, hosts Ben and Emily dive into Chapter 7 of Lisa Feldman Barrett's thought-provoking book "Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain." Join them as they unpack the concept of social reality and explore how our brains construct the world around us through shared social understanding. Ben and Emily delve into…

1
The Summer Special - A Happy Farewell 11:32

10M ago11:32

11:32

Join us for a heartfelt and joyful episode of the Little Minds, Big Ideas podcast with this special edition episode as we say goodbye to our wonderful guests, Bea and Ruby, before they head off to big school in September. In this final episode, the girls share their favourite memories of nursery, the things they enjoyed most, and what they will mis…

1
The Episode All About The Olympic Games 56:39

10M ago56:39

56:39

In this exciting episode of the Little Minds, Big Ideas Podcast, we jump into the world of the Olympic Games and the power of sport. We're diving headfirst into the world of the Olympic Games and uncovering how these epic events can shape our youngest minds. Remember those goosebumps while watching the Olympics as a kid? We do too! Let's relive tho…

1
The Episode All About Self-Expression 49:53

10M ago49:53

49:53

In this week's episode, "The Episode All About Self-Expression," hosts Ben and Emily dive into the vibrant world of self-expression and its vital role in early childhood development. Join them as they explore the importance of freedom in creativity, the necessity of emotional support, and how confidence is built through embracing individuality. The…

1
The Episode All About The Early Years Room 101 42:01

10M ago42:01

42:01

In this week's episode of Little Minds, Big Ideas hosts Ben and Emily take inspiration from the BBC show hosted by Frank Skinner, Room 101. Join them as they humorously and critically nominate three early years-related "things" they would love to banish forever into Room 101. From the daily struggles with pull-ups, shoelaces, and impractical clothi…

1
The Episode All About The Future of Ofsted Inspections 31:54

11M ago31:54

31:54

With the dust finally settling on last week's general election, Ben and Emily have decided to take a deep dive into one of the most contentious topics of the election debate: the future of Ofsted and the pressing need for potential reform. Over the past few decades, frustration and disillusionment have been brewing within the early years sector and…

1
The Episode All About The UK General Election 43:17

11M ago43:17

43:17

And just like that we're back!!! After a month off podcast duty Ben & Emily return for season 3 of the Little Minds, Big Ideas Podcast, and what a return it is! This week they're jumping straight into the UK General Election and what it means for the early years industry. They'll take you through each of the main parties manifesto pledges dedicated…

1
The Episode All About Little White Lies 36:02

12M ago36:02

36:02

This week on the podcast, Emily and Ben dive into the fascinating world of white lies, focusing especially on the small, often innocent fibs our parents told us as children. They explore a range of these common little deceptions, from the classic "Santa Claus is real" to the more creative "If you swallow gum, it will stay in your stomach for seven …

1
The Episode All About Sex Education 38:01

1y ago38:01

38:01

Join Ben and Emily this week on Little Minds, Big Ideas as they dive into some of the most pressing issues affecting young minds today. In this episode, they explore the controversial topic of sex education bans for children under 9 and the implications this has for early childhood development. They also discuss the upcoming mental health class ini…

1
The Episode All About Men In Childcare 47:42

1y ago47:42

47:42

In this episode of "Little Minds, Big Ideas," Emily has been ejected from the host seat as Ben welcomes a very special guest, Claudio Sisera from 'Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs,' to the studio. Together, they embark on a captivating exploration of the role of men in early childhood education. Delving deep into the conversation, Ben and Claudio hig…

1
The Episode All About Gender Stereotypes 42:22

1y ago42:22

42:22

Welcome to "Little Minds, Big Ideas," the podcast where we dive deep into the world of early childhood development with your hosts, Emily and Ben, from The Early Years Network. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of those crucial first years of life, exploring topics, news, and insights that illuminate the importance of early childhood education. J…

1
The Episode All About Storytelling & Books 35:34

1y ago35:34

35:34

Welcome to 'Little Minds, Big Ideas,' episode 24 where Ben and Emily delve into the enchanting realm of storytelling in early childhood education. Discover the profound impact of stories and storybooks on young minds, as we explore their pivotal role in fostering imagination, language development, and social-emotional skills. Join us as we share pr…

1
The Episode All About Being Curious 43:16

1y ago43:16

43:16

Welcome to "Little Minds, Big Ideas," the podcast where we explore the fascinating world of childhood development and parenting strategies to nurture young minds. Join your hosts Ben & Emily as they delve into the latest research, expert insights, and practical tips to support children's growth and development. In each episode, Ben & Emily unpack a…

1
The Episode All About Food, Glorious Food! 51:33

1y ago51:33

51:33

Welcome to "Little Minds, Big Ideas," the podcast where we explore the fascinating world of childhood development and parenting strategies to nurture young minds. Join your hosts Ben & Emily as they delve into the latest research, expert insights, and practical tips to support children's growth and development. In each episode, Ben & Emily unpack a…

1
The Episode All About Myth Busting 46:22

1y ago46:22

46:22

Welcome to the latest episode of Little Minds, Big Ideas, where Ben and Emily are on a mission to bust some early years myths wide open! Ever heard that play in early years settings is just a time filler? Think again! Join us as we delve into the wealth of benefits play offers for children's development, from communication skills to problem-solving…

1
The Episode All About The Future Of Education 59:48

1y ago59:48

59:48

Episode #20: The Episode All About The Future Of Education Welcome to the "Little Minds, Big Ideas" podcast, where hosts Ben and Emily flip the script on UK education! Join us as we challenge the status quo, questioning whether our current approach and societal views of learning truly align with our antiquated educational system. From redefining su…

1
The Episode All About Parent Partnership 45:13

1y ago45:13

45:13

The Power of Parent Partnership in Early Childhood Education Welcome to the "Little Minds, Big Ideas," the podcast where Ben and Emily from The Early Years Network unpack the secrets of successful early childhood education. In this enlightening episode, they delve into the transformative impact of parent partnership and explore practical strategies…

1
The Episode All About Motivation 44:54

1y ago44:54

44:54

Ben and Emily are back for another week of Early Years chatter as they embark on a motivation-packed adventure in Episode 18 of Little Minds, Big Ideas Podcast. Get ready to explore the intriguing interplay of biology, personality, and environment that shapes our drive to succeed. From dissecting brain chemistry to uncovering the hidden influences …

1
The Episode All About Positive Relationships In Early Childhood 43:11

1y ago43:11

43:11

Welcome to Episode 17 of the "Little Minds, Big Ideas" podcast! In this enlightening installment, hosts Ben and Emily delve into the heart of early childhood education with a focus on the crucial theme of positive relationships. In this latest episode Ben and Emily passionately explore the profound impact that positive connections can have on the d…

1
Weekly Show #16: The Episode All About The Childcare & Education Expo 2024 32:07

1y ago32:07

32:07

The Episode All About The Childcare & Education Expo 2024 Welcome back to another episode of Weekly Show! We apologise for the slight delay this week, as Emily and Ben embarked on an exciting journey to The Childcare & Education Expo 2024. The weekend was filled with incredible experiences, meeting wonderful people, and showcasing the wonders of Th…

1
Weekly Show #15: The Episode All About Ofsted Inspections 57:59

1y ago57:59

57:59

Welcome to "Little Minds, Big Ideas," the podcast dedicated to unraveling the intricacies of early childhood education. In our Weekly Show #15, join hosts Ben and Emily from The Early Years Network as they take a deep dive into the world of Ofsted inspections. In this episode, Ben and Emily share invaluable insights, providing practical advice both…

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Lighthearted Real World Issues Podcasts

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