In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcast), host Steve Davis is joined by Richard (Richie) Furber, Principal Consultant at the Motivation Foundation (motivationfoundation.com.au) and leader of the soon-to-launch Motivation Education Career School in Perth. Together, they explore how innovative education models are connecting learning with real-world industry opportunities.

Richie shares how Motivation Foundation is transforming outcomes for students at academic risk by combining practical training, strong industry partnerships, and a deep belief in belonging and hope. Students graduate with recognised VET qualifications in civil construction, mining, and workplace skills—equipping them for meaningful, long-term employment.

The conversation uncovers the school’s holistic approach: from teaching employability habits and professional behaviour to fostering resilience through trauma-informed practice. Richie explains how data-driven case management ensures each learner receives individualised support, while collaboration with organisations like the Construction Training Fund (CTF) and local employers builds confidence and purpose.

Listeners will also hear how the Motivation Foundation creates industry-simulated environments where students develop practical competence, re-engage with learning, and find hope in achievable futures. This inspiring discussion offers educators and school leaders valuable insights into alternative pathways that empower young Australians to thrive beyond the classroom.

Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or training provider, this episode highlights how attitude, belonging, and authentic partnerships can change lives—and strengthen communities.

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Founder and President of The Australian Association of Voice Actors (AAVA) Simon Kennedy speaks to Rach and Eddie about his impressive voice acting career in animation, commercials, impersonations and accents. Winner of Best Voice Artist – Outstanding Body of Work, International at the 2023 SOVAS Voice Arts Awards, Simon Kennedy is a force in the voice-over landscape.

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This week, we dive straight into talking about one of our favorite reads this year, and get the chance to interview married couple and our BotM authors, Mikaela Clements and Onjuli Datta. We talk about what it's like to write possession, how horror and romance intertwine, the consumption of the dreaded Pit Monster, and--of course--what's behind Jagvi and Angelina's tender, thorny path towards each other. 🎃

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Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/ Thank you so much for watching! 👻

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In “The Seeker and the Sage” a traumatised journalist is given a dream assignment - track down the mayor of a mysterious town whose citizens are the happiest people on Earth. She wants to learn how to live a good life but the town’s mayor wants to protect his dominion from the modern world. In what is an allegory for our times; Delaney poses the question: can the ancient philosophy of Stoicism help us create our own utopias in an increasingly troubled world?

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Short fiction set in the Pacific Islands was a popular genre in the early 20th century. Associate Professor Mandy Treagus offers a deep analysis of the adventuring writers whose stories were set in these islands, such as Robert Louis Stevenson, Jack London and W. Somerset Maughan.

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Our random reader, Lesley, introduces us to Jan Morris’ book “Conundrum” in which Jan shares a grippingly honest account of her ten-year transition from man to woman. On first publication in 1974, “Conundrum” generated enormous interest around the world and was chosen by “The Times” as one of the '100 Key Books of Our Time'.

Guests
Brigid Delaney, author of “The Seeker and the Sage”

Mandy Treagus, Associate Professor in English and Creative Writing at the University of Adelaide, author of “The Pacific Tale: Short fiction from 1890 - 1950”

Other books that get a mention:

Cath mentions Richard Osman’s “The Impossible Fortune”, Mick Herron’s “Clown Town” and “Peter Ackroyd’s “The English Soul; Faith of a Nation”

Annie mentions “What we can Know” by Ian McEwin, “Ripeness” by Sarah Moss and “Novacene; The coming of age of hyper intelligence” by James Lovelock

INSTAGRAM

@allenandunwin

@palgrave_macmillan

@brigidwd

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Associate Professor Lisa McKay-Brown from Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne (education.unimelb.edu.au) joins host Steve Davis on Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcast) for a practical, compassionate look at school avoidance. This audio episode explores why attendance challenges are rarely a simple choice, and how schools can respond with care, clarity, and data-informed action. As Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, Lisa offers grounded strategies that teachers and leaders can apply straight away.

First, the conversation addresses common myths about “wagging” and explains the differences between avoidance, truancy, withdrawal, and exclusion. Then, we consider early warning signs. For example, small shifts like late arrivals, early departures, or missed periods can signal growing barriers. Consequently, routine checks of attendance patterns—especially in the 90–95% range—become essential. Moreover, listeners hear how data systems such as Xuno help staff spot patterns quickly and start supportive conversations with families.

Importantly, Lisa highlights neuro-affirming practice. Clear routines, predictable expectations, and strong adult connections help neurodivergent students; in fact, they benefit everyone. Furthermore, flexible regulation supports—like planned breaks or headphones for focus—can reduce anxiety and increase engagement. Yet schools cannot carry the load alone. Therefore, respectful partnerships with families and allied professionals are vital.

We also step into multi-tiered systems of support. Lisa explains how MTSS for attendance builds universal, targeted, and intensive responses over time. In addition, she reflects on international collaborations and OECD insights linking belonging, safety, and achievement. As a result, listeners gain a broader perspective on what works here in Australia and abroad.

Finally, the episode calls for national leadership. A coordinated plan would amplify local innovations, reduce duplication, and elevate voices that are often missed. Teachers, leaders, and system thinkers will find actionable ideas, thoughtful nuance, and renewed confidence to tackle attendance with empathy and evidence.

Powered by: xuno.com.au

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Strap in for more horror talk this week because Amy & Harry and Millie are joined by horror connoisseur Riley Jones to talk all things horrormance (horror/romance). Is paranormal fiction just a subgenre of horror? Does horror actually have to be scary? Are you allowed to kill the queer characters in your horrormance? All these questions and more will be answered.

Our book of the month is Feast While You Can. Read along with us and tune in to our interview with the authors on October 16 followed by the live book club on October 23!

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• Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.

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In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcast), host Steve Davis is joined by Kirsten Ellis, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Information Technology at Monash University (www.monash.edu/it) to explore how her creation, tape blocks (www.tapeblock.com), is reshaping STEM learning for students of all abilities. These vibrant, foam-based circuit blocks help children build electronic circuits using simple conductive tape—no soldering, no fear, just curiosity and creativity.

Kirsten shares how her journey began with conductive jigsaw puzzles and evolved into a hands-on, accessible STEM resource that empowers every child to create, connect, and collaborate. Designed with inclusivity at its heart, tape blocks allow students with vision or motor skill challenges to build working circuits independently, experiencing both visual and tactile feedback.

The conversation uncovers how Kirsten combines engineering ingenuity with educational insight to spark imagination in classrooms. Teachers can use the blocks to introduce fundamental electronic concepts while promoting teamwork and problem-solving. Colour-coded components—red for power, yellow for switches, green for light or vibration, and blue for fans—make learning intuitive and engaging for mixed-ability classrooms.

Beyond accessibility, the episode explores the broader philosophy of natively built accessible design—creating tools that are inclusive from the start, not adapted as an afterthought. From integrating tape blocks with LEGO and micro:bits to inspiring creative classroom projects, Kirsten demonstrates that inclusive design benefits every learner, not just those with additional needs.

Listeners will also hear how initiatives supported by Google and National Science Week helped bring tape blocks into hundreds of Australian schools, empowering educators to make STEM more tactile, playful, and inclusive.

This episode offers practical inspiration for teachers seeking to blend accessibility with innovation—proving that when creativity meets inclusion, every student can shine.

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Rach and Eddie catch up to talk about behind the scenes of last season and have a sneak peek of what's in store for season two. Stay Tooned!

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