The School Can't Experience cover art

The School Can't Experience

The School Can't Experience

By: School Can't Australia
Listen for free

About this listen

For parents and caregivers of young people who struggle to attend school, and related education and health professionals. We share experiences and insights into what is going on for our young people and how we can offer support.

© 2025 The School Can't Experience
Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting & Families Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships
Episodes
  • #41 - ICYMI - Home Education: Busting Myths and Misunderstandings with Pavlina McMaster
    Nov 24 2025

    In this episode of the School Can't Experience Podcast, host Leisa Reichelt is joined by Pavlina McMaster, Coordinator at the Home Education Network to shed light on some common myths about Home Education, including:

    • Myth #1:Home Education is a last resort
    • Myth #2: I have to work so don’t have time to Home Educate
    • Myth #3: I’m not smart/educated enough to teach my kids
    • Myth #4: Home Education restricts our kids future opportunities
    • Myth #5: Home Education kids miss out on social opportunities.

    Useful resources:

    • Home Education Network (Australia) - https://home-ed.vic.edu.au/
    • Victoria Home Schoolers and Unschoolers Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/victorianhomeschoolersandunschoolers
    • Home Education NSW - https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeeducationnsw
    • Home Education QLD Inc. - https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeeducationqldinc
    • Home Education Tasmania - https://www.facebook.com/groups/876634649129826
    • Home Education WA (HEWA) - https://www.facebook.com/hewapage
    • South Australian Home Educators - https://www.facebook.com/groups/southaustralianhomeeducators
    • Home Educators Northern Terrritory Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1226268530873997
    • Home Education Canberra Facebook Group (ACT) - https://www.facebook.com/groups/165766030185476

    Also search for Home Education Facebook groups in your city or local area. There are many!

    Send us a text

    Support the show

    • School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
    • Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved

    If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you

    You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on schoolcantpodcast@gmail.com

    Disclaimer
    The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • #40 - Kate Broderick on relationship based teaching
    Nov 17 2025

    In this episode of the School Can't Experience Podcast, host Leisa Reichelt speaks with Kate Broderick, a dual qualified speech therapist and occupational therapist, about the transition from behaviorism to a relationship-based approach in education.

    Kate shares her personal journey as a parent of neurodivergent children and discusses the importance of building trust-based relationships to create safer and more inclusive learning environments.

    They consider the challenges and strategies for advocating for educational transformation and the critical role of nervous system safety in child development. Kate also introduces her upcoming book as a resource for teachers and parents.


    00:00 Welcome to the School Can't Experience Podcast

    00:26 Meet Kate Broderick: A Dual Qualified Therapist and School Can't Mum

    01:04 Understanding Neurodivergence and Parenting

    06:54 Challenges and Strategies in School Environments

    14:39 Behavioral vs. Relational Approaches in Education

    18:22 Building Trust and Relationships in Schools

    22:26 Advocacy and Resources for Parents

    30:35 Kate's Upcoming Book and Final Thoughts

    37:08 Conclusion and Resources


    Recommended Resources

    • Dr Ross Greene, Lives in the Balance: https://livesinthebalance.org/
    • Dr Mona Delahooke: https://monadelahooke.com/
    • Dr Vanessa LaPointe: https://drvanessalapointe.com/
    • Maggie Dent: https://www.maggiedent.com/
    • Gordon Neufeld, The Neufeld Institute: https://www.neufeldinstitute.org/
    • Reframing Autism: https://reframingautism.org.au/
    • Belongside Families: https://belongsidefamilies.org.au/

    Send us a text

    Support the show

    • School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
    • Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved

    If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you

    You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on schoolcantpodcast@gmail.com

    Disclaimer
    The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • #39 - Melisa & Jamie's Lived Experience
    Nov 10 2025

    In this episode Melisa and her son Jamie to share their inspiring story with host, Leisa Reichelt. Jamie, who struggled with conventional schooling due to autism and other challenges, found an unconventional but successful educational pathway.

    Despite difficulties including bullying, sensory challenges and a lack of support in school, Jamie flourished through home education, ultimately enrolling in university at a young age and recently earning a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford.

    We explore the challenges and successes of their journey, including the importance of education redesigned to suit the learning needs of the individual, and the strength required from parents and children in navigating 'School Can't' scenarios.

    If you're a parent or carer facing similar challenges, this episode offers a beacon of hope and practical insights.


    00:00 Introduction to the School Can't Experience Podcast

    00:53 Meet Melisa and Jamie: A Unique Educational Journey

    02:53 Early Struggles with Conventional Schooling

    07:50 The Turning Point: Year Four and Beyond

    16:16 Transition to Homeschooling

    24:29 Discovering a Pathway to University

    32:50 Achieving Academic Success and Beyond

    38:04 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents


    Recommended Resources

    • Theresa Kidd: https://www.kiddclinic.com.au/
    • Open Universities Australia: https://www.open.edu.au/

    Send us a text

    Support the show

    • School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
    • Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved

    If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you

    You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on schoolcantpodcast@gmail.com

    Disclaimer
    The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.