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
#89 Early Learning Centres: The Opportunity for Allied Health
Mar 100:22:34Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson shares 16+ years of real-world experience working inside early learning centres — and why they’re not mini clinics.As funding models shift, more clinicians are moving into group-based, naturalistic settings. But one-on-one strategies don’t automatically work in busy, noisy classrooms.Lizzy breaks down:• Why modelling in real time beats theory• How educator burnout impacts outcomes• Why collaboration matters more than clinical delivery• How movement can be a powerful clinical lensStay 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 →#88 Thriving Kids, NDIS, and the Future of Paediatric Therapy
Feb 2200:24:51Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson explores the evolving landscape of early intervention in Australia, including the proposed Thriving Kids model and ongoing NDIS reforms. She breaks down what’s currently known, what remains uncertain, and how these changes may impact families, clinicians, and allied health providers.Lizzy discusses the shift toward earlier, community-based supports for children aged 0–8, potential changes to therapy delivery, and key concerns across the sector — including implementation clarity, service gaps, and the future of one-on-one therapy. She also shares practical ways clinicians can prepare through collaboration, advocacy, and upskilling.This episode offers clarity and guidance for professionals and families navigating one of the biggest shifts in early intervention services in recent years.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveFollow on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes → Move.Talk.Thrive YouTubeConnect with the HostsEmily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechieLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_
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#87 The Hidden Cost of NDIS Policy Changes with Carolyn Weatherby
Feb 1501:03:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson sits down with speech pathologist Carolyn Weatherby to explore the future of allied health within the NDIS — and why clinicians can no longer navigate sector change alone.With 28 years in the disability sector, Carolyn shares how evidence-based communication and mealtime support transform lives, the growing challenges clinicians face during ongoing NDIS reform, and why collective representation is essential for sustainable practice and quality care.As a founding member of NDIS Professionals Australia, she explains how advocacy, formal representation, and collective action can help protect the future of allied health.If you’re an allied health professional working under the NDIS, this episode is a timely call to stay informed, supported, and represented.Learn more about NDIS Professionals Australia🔗 NDIS Professionals Australia – Your union for self-employed & small business NDIS Allied HealthFacebook: NDIS Professionals AustraliaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndis-professionals-union-professionals-australia/Member Join: Click hereContact Carolyn Weatherby📩 carolyn@simplyslp.com.auStay connected with Move.Talk.ThriveInstagram: @movetalkthriveYouTube: Move.Talk.ThriveConnect with the hostsEmily Mackie — www.emilymackie.com.au | @emilymackie.speechieLizzy Dawson — www.lizzydawson.com.au | @lizzydawson_
Transcribe →#86 Back to Therapy Without the Pressure: Supporting Kids After a Break
Feb 800:28:13Tap to summarizeReturning to therapy after a long break can feel chaotic for kids, parents, and clinicians.In this episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson and Emily Mackie share practical, experience-based guidance on how to restart pediatric therapy after the holidays without pressure or burnout. They explore regulation, reconnection, flexible planning, and how to meet children where they’re truly at so you can set the year up for meaningful progress.Perfect for clinicians navigating the start of the therapy year and wanting clarity, confidence, and calm.If this episode helped you rethink how you approach the first weeks back in therapy, share it with a fellow clinician who might need the reminder to slow down and trust the process.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveFollow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.Thrive
Transcribe →#85 Delegation, Systems & Scaling: Working with Virtual Assistants
Feb 100:20:03Tap to summarizeLizzy Dawson and Emily Mackie answer a listener question about Virtual Assistants and how they use them to support their businesses. From onboarding and systems to delegation and consistency, they share practical tips for making VAs a valuable part of your team.Perfect for startup owners, clinicians, and solo operators ready to free up time and mental energy.🎧 For business owners and clinicians who want sustainable growth, not overwhelm.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode helped you rethink delegation, systems, or how you spend your time, share it with a fellow business owner or clinician who might benefit.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 →#84 Planning 2026 With Energy, Not Exhaustion
Jan 2500:45:35Tap to summarizeLizzy Dawson and Emily Mackie kick off 2026 with an honest conversation about planning for the year ahead while honouring very different life seasons. From business growth and maternity to energy protection and sustainable pacing, they explore why goals need to be flexible , and why calm, steady progress beats burnout every time.With Lizzy’s “Zone 2” business analogy and Emily’s reflections on motherhood, leadership, and delegation, this episode is for anyone navigating growth without sacrificing their health, family, or sense of self.🎧 For business owners, clinicians, parents, and high achievers who want sustainable success not hustle.Stay ConnectedFollow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes → Move.Talk.ThriveConnectEmily Mackie → @emilymackie.speechie | emilymackie.com.auLizzy Dawson → @lizzydawson_ | lizzydawson.com.au
Transcribe →#83 Reflection Over Resolutions
Dec 2800:30:28Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode of Move Talk Thrive, Lizzy Dawson shares a gentle, intentional approach to reflecting on the year that’s been — and planning ahead without burnout.Lizzy invites listeners to look beyond unfinished goals and focus on wins, lessons, patterns, and growth across personal life, leadership, and business. She shares simple reflection and journaling prompts you can use in 10 minutes or over a full day.Perfect for clinicians, business owners, parents, and anyone wanting to move forward with clarity, values, and sustainability.In this episode:Why reflection supports sustainable growthIdentifying wins and the systems behind themReframing challenges as teachersNoticing patterns in energy and leadershipSimple prompts you can revisit anytimeStay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonates , whether you’re a parent navigating school transition, a clinician supporting families, or a business owner planning services, share it with someone who needs reassurance that transition takes time.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 →#82 Supporting Children Through Transition Without Burnout
Dec 2100:25:46Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Move Talk Thrive, Emily and Lizzy unpack the transition to school through three lenses: parent, clinician, and business owner.They explore why school transition isn’t a single moment, but an ongoing process; from preschool to Kindy, new grades, new teachers, changing routines, and shifting expectations. Drawing on real-life parenting experiences and clinical insight, they discuss how predictability, emotional regulation, consistency, and communication play a key role in supporting children during times of change.The conversation also touches on therapy during school transition, why maintaining support can be protective rather than overwhelming, and how clinicians and businesses can build flexible systems that truly support families.This episode is a grounding reminder that readiness isn’t about perfection, it’s about adaptability, values, and grace.Key TakeawaysTransition is a process, not a single dayConsistency supports regulation during big changesTherapy can help during transition, not just before or afterSchool readiness goes beyond academicsCalm, regulated adults help children feel safeValues-driven systems allow flexibility without burnoutFollow 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 →#70 Thriving Through Change: NDIS, Thriving Kids, and What’s Next
Sep 28Tap to summarizeIn this candid episode, Lizzy and Emily unpack the uncertainty allied health businesses face with looming NDIS changes and the proposed Thriving Kids program. They share how they’re preparing their own practices; balancing personal life, clinical work, and business strategy, while encouraging listeners to think ahead too.From funding shifts to new service models, they explore what it takes to stay resilient and pivot-ready in a changing landscape. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or managing a team, this conversation offers practical strategies to strengthen systems, diversify services, and adapt with confidence.Key TakeawaysBe pivot-ready: build resilience through varied services, funding, and partnerships.NDIS vs. Thriving Kids: prepare for funding and service delivery changes.Plan ahead: align business strategy with personal timelines and growth goals.Diversify: don’t rely on one income stream; build your private client base.Partnerships: connect with schools, councils, and early learning centres.Pricing: re-evaluate fees as funding structures shift.Caseload mix: anticipate changes in client severity and complexity.Stay proactive, not panicked: flexibility and strong systems are key.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode helped you see play-based therapy in a new light, share it with a colleague, parent, or fellow clinician who wants therapy to feel both fun and effective.Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthriveWatch on YouTube: Move.Talk.ThriveConnect With UsLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_Emily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechie
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