Podcast
The Move. Talk. Thrive. Podcast
Hosted by Emily Mackie Speechie and Lizzy Dawson EP · EN
We are child development obsessed, mums, business besties and are here to spill our secrets.
We have a combined 30 years experience working with children. Each episode we will bring you up to date research and evidence based strategies to set children up to thrive.
This is the Move, Talk, Thrive Podcast.
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#99 Using Movement to Support Regulation
3d ago00:27:42Tap to summarizeHow does movement support the sensory system, and why does this matter when working with children?In this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy explores the connection between sensory input, motor output, regulation and participation from an exercise physiology perspective.She explains why children who crash, jump, avoid movement, struggle to sit still, become dysregulated or refuse activities may not be showing “bad behaviour”, they may be communicating sensory and nervous system needs.Lizzy also breaks down the vestibular, proprioceptive and interoceptive systems, and shares practical ways to adapt therapy environments in clinics, gyms, schools, early learning centres and homes.From calming movement and heavy work to becoming a sensory detective in the first few minutes of a session, this episode is a helpful listen for paediatric clinicians, parents and educators who want to better understand how movement can support regulation and participation.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, clinician, educator or allied health professional who supports children with movement, regulation, sensory needs or participation challenges.Follow on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.ThriveConnect with UsLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_Emily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechie
Transcribe →#98 My Research Journey: Behind Feb Data of the Kids Heart Pilates Research Project
1w ago00:22:06Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode, Lizzy shares how research has shaped her confidence, clinical reasoning and advocacy as a paediatric exercise physiologist.She reflects on her journey from consuming research to partnering with the University of Queensland on an independent review of her Kids Heart Pilates program. Lizzy also shares the unexpected benefits of being involved in research, from professional growth and recruitment to networking, advocacy and new opportunities.A thoughtful and encouraging episode for clinicians, allied health business owners and practitioners who are curious about research, evidence-based practice and creating a bigger impact through their work.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a clinician, allied health business owner, educator or practitioner who is curious about research, evidence-based practice or creating a bigger impact through their work.Follow on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.ThriveConnect with UsLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_Emily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechie
Transcribe →#97 Treat the Nervous System, Not the Behaviour
3w ago00:20:13Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode, Lizzy unpacks the difference between stimulation, regulation and behaviour and why understanding this distinction matters when supporting children.She explores how sensory input affects the nervous system, why regulation does not always mean calm, and how behaviour is often the outward signal of what is happening underneath. Lizzy also shares how movement, environment and co-regulation can support children more effectively at home, in therapy and in early learning settings.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, clinician or early childhood educator who supports children with big behaviours, sensory needs or regulation challenges.Follow on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.ThriveConnect with UsLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_Emily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechie
Transcribe →#96 Connection, Curiosity and Confidence in Paediatrics
May 2400:29:57Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy reflects on what she wishes she knew when she first started working in paediatrics.This episode is for new grads, clinicians brushing up on their paediatric skills, supervisors, managers and business owners supporting new clinicians. Lizzy unpacks why clinical confidence is not about having all the answers, but about connection, flexibility, curiosity and self-regulation.From challenging sessions and group environments to masking, parent expectations and learning how to read the room, this conversation is a practical and reassuring reminder that confidence is built inside the session, not before you walk into it.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow allied health business owner who needs to hear this.Follow on Instagram: @movetalkthriveWatch on YouTube: Move.Talk.ThriveYour HostsLizzy DawsonWebsite: lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_Emily MackieWebsite: emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechie
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#95 Financial Clarity for Allied Health Business Owners with Michelle Kvello
May 1000:41:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy chats with Michelle Kvello, founder of Lantern Partners and fractional CFO, about financial clarity for allied health business owners.Michelle breaks down the numbers every business owner should understand ; from cash flow and pricing to gross margin, utilisation rates, payday super changes, and preparing for NDIS funding uncertainty.This is a practical, empowering conversation for allied health business owners who want to feel more confident, informed and in control of their finances.In this episode, we cover:Why cash and profit are not the same thingThe difference between gross margin and net marginHow utilisation rates impact profitabilityWhy pricing correctly supports your purposeHow to prepare for NDIS changes through scenario modellingWhat the payday super changes could mean for your cash flowResources mentioned:Cash Flow Forecast TemplatePricing CalculatorConnect with Michelle:Website: lanternpartners.com.auInstagram: @michellekvelloStay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow allied health business owner who needs to hear this.Follow on Instagram: @movetalkthriveWatch on YouTube: Move.Talk.ThriveYour HostsLizzy DawsonWebsite: lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_Emily MackieWebsite: emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechie
Transcribe →#94 NDIS Changes, Thriving Kids & The Skills Clinicians Need Next
May 300:27:45Tap to summarizeThe allied health landscape is changing, and paediatric practitioners, clinics and families are all feeling the uncertainty.In this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy shares reflections from recent conversations with allied health business owners around NDIS changes, the proposed Thriving Kids model, advocacy, business sustainability and the future of paediatric care.She also explores why working with children helps practitioners build the soft skills that matter most: communication, rapport, engagement, flexibility, parent education and client care.Whether you’re a clinician, business owner or allied health leader, this episode is a timely reminder that preparing for change starts with strengthening the skills, systems and conversations happening inside our teams.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague working in paediatrics or early learning.Follow on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.ThriveConnect with UsLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_Emily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechie
Transcribe →#93 Designing a Holiday Program That Actually Works for Complex Kids
Apr 2600:22:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson shares an inside look at running a successful pediatric holiday program and why it has become such a valuable part of her clinic.From managing cancellations and maintaining continuity of care to creating a supportive, low-stimulation environment for children with complex needs, Lizzy breaks down what makes a holiday program truly effective.She also shares practical insights on staffing, structure, and how these programs can improve therapy outcomes while supporting both families and clinicians.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague working in early learning or paediatrics.Follow on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.ThriveLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_Connect with UsEmily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechie
Transcribe →#92 Closing the Gap Between Therapy and Real Life
Mar 2900:27:17Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson explores why therapy strategies that work in the clinic often don’t translate into real life.Lizzy unpacks the gap between controlled therapy environments and the realities of home, school, and early learning, and shares practical ways clinicians can create more functional, meaningful outcomes.From aligning clinical goals with real-world impact to improving communication with parents and educators, this episode will help you deliver therapy that actually carries over.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague working in early learning or paediatrics.Follow on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.ThriveConnect with UsLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_Emily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechie
Transcribe →#91 Why Practitioners Struggle With Sales (And 3 Simple Things That Actually Work)
Mar 1500:19:35Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson explores why the word “sales” feels uncomfortable for many allied health professionals — and why it shouldn’t.Lizzy reframes sales as clear communication, education, and advocacy for client outcomes, explaining that practitioners are already “selling” every time they help families understand what they’re seeing, why it matters, and what the next step should be.Lizzy’s Simple 3-Step Communication FrameworkLizzy shares a practical formula practitioners can use during sessions or assessments to communicate recommendations clearly:1) Lead with what you seeStart with a clear observation.2) Explain the impactHelp parents understand why this observation matters.3) Give a clear recommendationOffer a specific plan for intervention.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague who works in early learning settings.Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.ThriveConnect with UsEmily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechieLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_
Transcribe →#90 Why Families Disengage from Therapy And How Clinicians Can Change That
Mar 800:26:48Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode, Lizzy Dawson explores the topic of client retention in pediatric allied health and why it should be seen as a matter of clinical leadership, not just administration.After reviewing patterns inside her own clinic, Lizzy shares what she discovered about why families disengage from services and where clinics often “leak” clients — including school holiday transitions, funding gaps, and clinician turnover. She explains how better systems, clearer communication, and stronger clinical goal setting can help improve retention and support more consistent progress for children.Lizzy also highlights the importance of helping parents understand the functional outcomes of therapy, building meaningful relationships with families, and ensuring goals are emotionally relevant and clearly communicated.This episode offers practical insights for allied health clinicians and clinic owners who want to strengthen client engagement, improve continuity of care, and build more sustainable pediatric services.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague working in pediatric allied health.Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.ThriveEmily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechieConnect with UsLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_
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