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How do you raise two young children while reporting from war zones, elections, and global crises?
In this episode of Uncharted Parenting, we sit down with award‑winning journalist and 60 Minutes reporter Amelia Adams, whose career has taken her from Sydney newsrooms to the frontlines of world‑shaping events — all while navigating the messy, beautiful, guilt‑ridden, joy‑filled reality of being a Mum.
Amelia opens up about the emotional toll of leaving her children for long assignments, the systems that kept her family grounded while living overseas, and the unexpected ways motherhood reshaped her approach to her work. She shares the moments that broke her, the ones that made her braver, and the lessons she hopes her kids carry with them as they grow.
This is a conversation for every parent who has ever felt torn between purpose and presence — and wondered if they’re getting any of it right.
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In this first instalment of a brand‑new multi‑episode series, we're joined by Jana Gomes — sexuality educator, consent specialist and Uncharted Parenting’s resident expert for Season 2. Across the year, Jana will return regularly to unpack the issues shaping young people’s wellbeing, identity and relationships.
Today, we begin with a topic that touches every family: body image.
Drawing on her work with young people, parents and professional sporting organisations, Jana explains how young people are feeling about their bodies in 2026, what’s changed in recent years, and why the pressures look different for girls, boys and gender‑diverse young people. We explore the everyday comments parents make without realising the impact, the subtle messages kids absorb at home, and the small, practical shifts that help young people feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.
Jana also speaks to the power of modelling — how the way we talk about our own bodies becomes the script our kids learn from.
This episode sets the foundation for the conversations still to come in Season 2, including social media, deepfakes, consent, coercion and age‑appropriate communication.
A grounded, compassionate and deeply practical conversation for every parent wanting to raise body‑confident young people.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Why are so many mothers reaching breaking point — and why aren’t we talking about it?
In this episode of Uncharted Parenting, we sit down with Lauren Novak, Education and Social Policy Editor at The Advertiser and author of the powerful new book Meltdown.
Drawing on her own lived experience and extensive research, Lauren unpacks the phenomenon often labelled “mum rage” — the intense, overwhelming anger many mothers feel but rarely admit. Together, we explore:
The everyday triggers that push parents to the edgeWhy maternal anger remains taboo, even in 2026The pressures — physical, psychological, and societal — that fuel emotional overloadThe role fathers and partners play in the dynamicPractical, compassionate strategies for parents who feel themselves spirallingThis is an honest, empathetic, and deeply needed conversation for anyone working in education, health, social policy, or family support — and for every parent who has ever wondered, “Is it just me?”
Uncharted Parenting continues to open the doors on the conversations families are having behind closed ones.
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In this episode of Uncharted Parenting, we sit down again with renowned parenting educator, author, and speaker Michelle Mitchell to unpack one of the most pressing challenges for today’s families: supporting children through school stress.
Together, we explore why academic pressure feels so overwhelming for young people, how stress shows up in everyday behaviour, and what parents can do to offer meaningful, practical support. Michelle shares compassionate, evidence-informed strategies to help teens build resilience, navigate emotions, and feel genuinely understood at home, especially during high‑pressure times like exams, transitions, and friendship shifts.
Whether your child is thriving but tired, anxious and overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, this episode offers encouragement, clarity, and tools you can start using today.
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Parenting in the age of AI, social media and endless screens feels like uncharted territory, so we brought Dr Justin Coulson back for Season 2 to help make sense of it.
In this episode of Uncharted Parenting, Justin breaks down how today’s tech is shaping our kids’ brains, behaviour and wellbeing, and what parents can realistically do to create healthier digital habits at home.
This conversation is clear, compassionate and packed with strategies for families to implement right now. Want to stay connected with your kid's in a digital world that never slows down? Then this episode is for you!
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In this episode of Uncharted Parenting, we sit down with Lauren Brooks, the Principal of Saint Ignatius’ College and we talk about how to tackle one of parenting’s toughest modern challenges: screen time.
We unpack the College’s 2025 Tech Smart initiative, why they intentionally created space away from devices, and what they’ve learned about attention, wellbeing and real-world connection.
Lauren shares what St Ignatius College are doing in this space and shares practical insights for families trying to reset the balance at home and raise young people who can use technology wisely—without being ruled by it. A thoughtful, practical conversation for parents wanting to help their children switch off the noise … and switch on to life.
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In this powerful episode of Uncharted Parenting, we sit down with former Adelaide Crows star Brett Burton for an honest and grounded conversation about identity, transition and family life beyond elite sport.
After a decorated AFL career, Brett moved into senior leadership roles as Head of Football and Head of High Performance at both the Adelaide Crows and Brisbane Lions, and is now the Director of Leadwell People, who specialise in delivering transformative people development programs and workshops with a focus on leadership, wellbeing, and high performance. But behind the titles and the pressure of professional sport is a husband and father of five navigating the daily juggle of parenting, purpose and life after the final siren.
In The Balancing Act, Brett opens up about:
The identity shift from elite athlete to Director of Leadwell People
Leading high-performance environments while staying present as a parent at home
What footy taught him about resilience, discipline and teamwork in family life
The realities of raising five kids in a fast-paced world
This episode offers a rare look at the human side of professional sport and the universal challenge of finding balance between career ambition and family connection.
Whether you’re a sports fan, a parent juggling competing demands, or someone navigating a major life transition, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.
🎙️ Honest. Practical. Unfiltered.
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Season 2 is here 🎙️✨
Uncharted Parenting is back!From tricky topics to real-life parenting moments, we’re going there… together.
New episodes. Same honest conversations. Streaming on all your favourite platforms!
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In this episode of Uncharted Parenting, we sit down with Mark McGill, CEO of Variety SA, to explore the heart behind one of South Australia’s most impactful children’s charities. Mark shares his journey to leading Variety, the stories that have stayed with him over the years, and the incredible legacy the organisation has built in celebrating 50 years of supporting children and families.
Together, we unpack what drives Variety’s mission, the challenges and triumphs along the way, and what lies ahead as they continue to create opportunities for kids to thrive. This is a conversation filled with heart, hope, and inspiration for every parent and carer.
Find out more about Variety the Children's Charity here: https://www.variety.org.au/
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In this episode of Uncharted Parenting, we sit down with Steph Kriewaldt, Principal of Lobethal Lutheran School, to talk about the challenges and opportunities of raising children in today’s tech-driven world. Steph shares insights from the Tech Smart Initiative she recently attended at St Ignatius College, alongside leaders like Wayne Holdsworth and Premier Peter Malinauskas, and reflects on what those conversations mean for families and schools alike.
Steph shares her journey from working in the Tech sector to now becoming an Educational Leader, and offers practical ways parents and educators can work together to help kids thrive online and offline.
We also share details about our upcoming event, Parenting in a Digital Age, happening Thursday 14th August at Cornerstone College — an unmissable night for parents wanting to feel confident, informed, and connected in the ever-changing digital landscape.
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In this episode of Uncharted Parenting, we sit down with Jana Gomes, an experienced sexuality educator with a background in psychology, sexology, and sexual health—who specialises in consent education, respectful relationships, coercive control and gender equality. Drawing on real-world examples from her workshops with young people in the youth justice system to sessions with AFL and NRL athletes—Jana shares how consent training can spark meaningful change across communities
This conversation goes far beyond “the talk.” This episode equips you with the confidence, language, and practical skills to build a home culture rooted in consent, respect, and safety.
Jana reminds us that consent isn’t just about sex—it’s about every interaction we model and nurture.
We also highlight trusted Australian resources to support families and young people:
Kids Helpline – free, confidential counselling for young people up to age 25.
1800RESPECT – Australia’s national sexual, domestic and family violence counselling line.
Shine SA – South Australia’s sexual violence support organisation offering counselling and education.
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In this episode of Uncharted Parenting, we’re joined by renowned psychologist and parenting expert Dr Vanessa Lapointe to explore a powerful reframe: what if boundaries weren’t walls to keep our kids out, but doors that invite them in?
Together, we unpack how parents can set firm but compassionate boundaries while nurturing connection—especially in those tricky moments when it feels lost or hard to find. Dr Lapointe shares practical wisdom on how to rebuild bridges, stay grounded in your role, and meet your young person with empathy, even when they push back.
If you’ve ever questioned how to hold the line without shutting your child out, this conversation is for you.
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In this episode of Uncharted Parenting, we’re joined by Mimi Crowe, the Acting Commissioner for Children and Young People in South Australia, to explore what safety really means to today’s teenagers. Drawing on the findings of the 2024 Teenagers and Safety Report, Mimi shares the voices of young people themselves — their fears, their needs, and the support they’re calling for from the adults around them.
We move beyond the physical measures of safety — locks, lights, and curfews — to uncover the deeper layers of emotional and psychological safety that matter most to young people. From the value of being listened to without judgement, to the importance of consistent adult presence and community connection, this conversation challenges us to think differently about how we protect and empower our young people.
If you’re a parent, caregiver or educator looking to better understand the world young people are navigating, this episode offers practical insights and fresh perspective grounded in the lived experience of young South Australians.
📄 Read the full Teenagers and Safety Report here:Teenagers and Safety Report (PDF)
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In this episode of Uncharted Parenting, we dive into the fascinating—and sometimes frustrating—world of risk-taking. Why do young people push boundaries, chase thrills and seem to throw caution to the wind? Encounter Youth’s Senior Educator, Sondra Walker, joins us to explore the powerful changes in the adolescent brain that drive these behaviours.
We unpack the science behind why risk feels rewarding to teens, how social influences shape their decisions, and what’s actually normal when it comes to pushing limits. Sondra also shares practical insights on how parents can respond with calm, curiosity and connection, rather than control or fear.
If you’ve ever scratched your head at your young person’s choices, this episode offers a fresh perspective—grounded in neuroscience and compassion.
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In this episode of Uncharted Parenting, we’re joined by Encounter Youth's Education & Analytics Coordinator Zoe O’Donovan to unpack the often misunderstood approach of harm minimisation. While sensational headlines and scare tactics often dominate the conversation, Zoe offers a refreshing, evidence-based perspective grounded in compassion and realism.
Together, we explore why harm minimisation isn’t about encouraging risky behaviour—it’s about meeting young people where they’re at, equipping them with accurate information, and empowering parents to have open, judgement-free conversations. From drug education and alcohol use to navigating trust and boundaries, this episode is a must-listen for any parent wanting to stay connected and informed, without falling into fear.
If you want to find out more about Encounter Youth's, harm minimisation approach to Alcohol & Other Drug education, head to our website:
https://www.encounteryouth.com.au/alcohol-drug-education/
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In this episode of Uncharted Parenting, we sit down with motivational speaker and cyber safety expert Jonny Shannon to unpack the realities of raising kids in a world dominated by screens, social media and 24/7 connectivity. Navigating your child’s digital world can feel like walking through a minefield—one wrong step and things can go sideways fast.
Drawing on years of experience speaking in schools across Australia and New Zealand, Jonny shares eye-opening stories and practical tips for tackling the toughest online challenges. From managing screen time and gaming addiction to dealing with cyberbullying, this conversation will equip you with the tools you need to parent with confidence in the digital age.
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In this powerful episode of Uncharted Parenting, we sit down with mental health advocate, Founder and Director of Mindful Aus, Matt Runnalls to unpack the stigma surrounding mental health and the impact of talking openly about it.
Matt shares his personal journey to mental health resilience and wellness, highlighting the importance of honest conversations in building connection and fostering real change. Whether you're a parent, carer or educator, this episode offers insight and encouragement for creating a culture of support.
If your interested in Matt's book 'Nobody Can Save Me' click the link below:
https://mattrunnalls.com.au/product/ncsm/
Want to find out more about Mindful Aus and the work that Matt and his team do every day, hit the following link to find out more:
https://www.mindfullaus.org/
If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue at beyondblue.org.au, or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
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In this deeply moving episode of Uncharted Parenting, we speak with Wayne Holdsworth, who courageously shares the heartbreaking story of losing his 17-year-old son, Mac, to suicide in October 2023 after falling victim to an online sexual extortion scam. Wayne opens up about the warning signs, the emotional toll, and the urgent need to raise awareness of the hidden dangers our children face on social media. This powerful conversation is a call for parents to stay connected, informed and vigilant in the digital age.
The topics covered in this episode can be quite confronting, so below are some links to some amazing support services that are extremely helpful:
Kids Helpline - https://kidshelpline.com.au/
Smacktalk - https://smacktalk.com.au/
Mission Australia - https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/
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In this episode of Uncharted Parenting, we’re joined by Michelle Mitchell—author, educator and parenting advocate—for a powerful conversation on building resilience in our kids.
In a world that often feels uncertain and overwhelming, how do we equip our children to bounce back, adapt and thrive? Michelle unpacks practical strategies, shares stories from her own work and explores what resilience really looks like in today’s world.
Tune in for insight, encouragement and tools you can use right now.
Michelle is a best-selling author on a global scale, click the link below to purchase some of Michelle's award-winning books:
https://michellemitchell.org/shop/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21199180995&gbraid=0AAAAACgNOuOmgFngRQYJ8UFSbeCtR3l7H&gclid=CjwKCAjwiezABhBZEiwAEbTPGOT9bEP1GgduMpDs4AvUTFOHnIWv1Sfr8fhZkOh7rXUIUnxStcCO7xoCXS4QAvD_BwE
Michelle is also a Key-Note speaker at 'The Raising Resilient Kids Conference'. For more information about the conference, please head to the link below:
https://michellemitchell.org/resilient-kids-conference/?srsltid=AfmBOooGjEOUx-7xdqcbTGZ1JieEjvqXXApoPT9RiVER9TYl5ejQ4KjQ
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In this episode of Uncharted Parenting, we explore why many parents see offering their young person a controlled sip of alcohol as a safe—even responsible—way to introduce drinking. But could this well-intentioned gesture be doing more harm than good?
We’re joined by Dr Andrew Scholefield to unpack the research on parental supply, the impact of alcohol on a young person's brain development and how early exposure can shape a young person’s relationship with alcohol. Join us as we navigate the blurry line between harm minimisation and unintended encouragement.
For more access to some amazing resources for parent's please head to the below link:
https://www.encounteryouth.com.au/parent-resources/
If you would like to book a 'Parent Seminar' for your local School or Community, please reach out to us here:
https://www.encounteryouth.com.au/enquiry-form/
- Visa fler
