Powered by RND

UNLEARN

UNLEARN pod
UNLEARN
Latest episode

Available Episodes

5 of 8
  • How can systems thinking help us stir the waters toward gender-inclusive futures? with Jade Tang-Taylor
    In this episode, I sit down with Jade Tang Taylor, systems thinker, creative strategist, and social impact leader, to explore how systems thinking can support educators in creating change toward gender inclusion.We unpack the Water of Systems Change model and reflect on the different levels where change can happen: structural, relational, and transformative. From school policies to power dynamics and mental models, we talk about how these layers interact and what makes meaningful change possible.Jade shares insights from her mahi (work) in education, design, and community leadership, including work with collectives like SASS (Systems Change Advocacy, Solidarity and Support) and frameworks like Scaling Deep. We also talk about why centring lived experience, embracing discomfort, and holding on to hope are all part of the unlearning journey.This conversation reminded me that while systems can be complex and entrenched, we educators have the power to stir the waters and to help shape gender-inclusive futures, one ripple at a time, especially when we dare to look below the surface.You can find all the mentioned sources and some helpful reflective prompts at: unlearnpod.blogspot.com
    --------  
    46:26
  • How can educators relearn gender together? with Dr Emma McGuirk - Episode 7 UNLEARN
    In this episode of UNLEARN, I (Milla) am joined by Emma, a passionate rainbow educator, activist, and anthropologist. Together, we explore what it means to be part of social change in education, from standing in front of classrooms to standing beside students.Emma reflects on her journey of self-discovery, her work with Rainbow Hub Waikato, and the challenges students and teachers face while navigating gender diversity in schools. Drawing on her background in social anthropology, she shares powerful insights into the historical and cultural fluidity of gender and how colonisation disrupted long-standing expressions of gender diversity across many societies.We talk about the impact of social transition, the resilience of rainbow youth, the importance of peer support among teachers, and the power of collective approaches to allyship. From inclusive language in maths problems to hosting a rainbow wānanga for staff, Emma shows how small acts and significant shifts can make a difference.This episode is a moving reminder that allyship isn’t about having all the answers. Instead, it’s about showing up, listening deeply, and acting with care.You can find all the mentioned sources and some helpful reflective prompts at: unlearnpod.blogspot.com
    --------  
    1:00:46
  • How can our lived experiences help us unpack gender diversity in education? with Slay Way - Episode 6 UNLEARN
    How do our own childhood experiences shape the way we think about gender? In this episode of UNLEARN, I sit down with Slay Way, team leader at Rainbow Hub Waikato, to explore how language, culture, and lived experiences influence how we understand gender—and what that means for educators.Together, we discuss: How childhood experiences shape our understanding of gender The power of language—when it liberates and when it limits Why silence on gender diversity is not neutral but upholds the status quo Takatāpui and Indigenous perspectives on gender—what educators can learn The emotional toll of advocacy and why rest is part of resistanceSlay shares powerful insights into their journey growing up in rural Aotearoa, the challenges of breaking free from rigid gender norms, and what it truly means to show up for gender-diverse students.This episode is for educators like you - who are ready to unlearn, reflect, and take meaningful steps toward inclusion.Find links to all mentioned resources and some helpful reflective prompts at: unlearnpod.blogspot.com
    --------  
    58:31
  • What do we mean when we speak about creating safe(r) and brave(r) spaces - for everyone? with Chelsea Haughton - Episode 5 UNLEARN
    In this episode of UNLEARN, I (Milla - she/her) dive into a conversation with Chelsea Horton (she/her), a fellow master's student on Change and Organisational Resilience and advocate for queer communities in Wellington. Together, we explore the complexities of creating spaces that are not only safer but also braver for LGBTQIA+ individuals and beyond. We discuss what it means to embrace intersectionality and the challenges of supporting individuals navigating diverse identities at any age. One of the key issues we discuss is the harmful over sexualisation of trans and nonbinary kids and adults—a deeply ingrained bias that associates gender diversity with sexual behaviour, often leading to inappropriate assumptions and stereotypes. This over sexualisation can make trans and nonbinary students feel objectified, unsafe, or excluded in school environments. By unpacking these biases, we explore how educators can challenge harmful narratives and focus on supporting students in expressing their identities authentically. Chelsea shares insights from their research on the necessary conditions for fostering inclusive rainbow communities, highlighting the importance of co-designing solutions with those directly impacted. We talk about the role of educators in shaping inclusive environments, the psychological and emotional weight of "safe spaces," and the evolving understanding of allyship and how important safety is for our learning.  This episode offers some practical strategies that educators can implement right away, including: Identifying and challenging biases that may unintentionally create barriers for students. Using inclusive symbols and language in the classroom while ensuring they are backed by genuine action. Understanding how "brave spaces" can help address difficult conversations, encouraging growth and empathy among both teachers and students. Normalising diverse family structures and gender expressions in classroom discussions and activities, such as avoiding heteronormative and perhaps cis-normative assumptions on occasions like Mother’s or Father’s Day. Chelsea reminds us that creating safer and braver spaces isn’t just about symbols or words—it’s about actions and commitment. Educators hold a powerful position to influence young minds and shape inclusive environments where everyone feels they belong. We hope this episode will leave you inspired to reflect, unlearn, and take concrete steps toward fostering equity and belonging in your teaching practice. We also reflect on the concepts of "calling out" others and "calling in" ourselves. As Chelsea points out, none of us are perfect, but the willingness to listen, learn, and grow makes all the difference. In fact, after finishing the recording, we realised we hadn’t shared our own pronouns in the episode. Here they are now (mentioned above), because modelling inclusive behaviour and unlearning matters!
    --------  
    56:40
  • Who are cis, and how can educators better embrace gender diversity? with Rachel Kuysten - Episode 4 UNLEARN
    In this episode of UNLEARN, we delve into the concept of cisgender with Rachel, an experienced educator and advocate for gender diversity. Together, we unpack what it means to be cis- or transgender, how language shapes our understanding of gender, and why awareness is only the first step toward allyship. Rachel shares insights on navigating cisnormativity in schools, recognising privilege, and challenging biases to foster environments where all students can thrive. Milla reflects on her own learning journey, the discomfort that comes with unlearning, and why embracing that discomfort is key to real growth. Whether you are new to these concepts or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode hopefully provides thoughtful discussion, practical ideas, and resources to help educators create more inclusive spaces. Explore how small shifts in language, mindset, and action can make a big difference —not just for gender-diverse students but for us all. You can find the episode links and details at https://unlearnpod.blogspot.com/
    --------  
    1:08:26

More Education podcasts

About UNLEARN

UNLEARN is a podcast for educators in Aotearoa New Zealand committed to creating gender-inclusive classrooms where students feel safe, respected, and empowered. Each episode offers practical strategies from experts, helping us examine our biases, challenge gender stereotypes, and celebrate diverse gender identities. Join us as we unpack the complexities of gender and explore how small actions can build a real sense of belonging for every student. Listen in on your commute or while doing the dishes—let’s unlearn together! unlearnpod.blogspot.com
Podcast website

Listen to UNLEARN, Begin Again with Davina McCall and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app

Get the free radio.net app

  • Stations and podcasts to bookmark
  • Stream via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Supports Carplay & Android Auto
  • Many other app features
Social
v7.23.3 | © 2007-2025 radio.de GmbH
Generated: 8/31/2025 - 9:43:00 AM