Parent Podcast
Welcome to the Words Grow Minds Parent Podcast — where we break down brain science to help you nurture your little one’s development in the early years.
We know how much you want to give your child the best start in life, but knowing what makes the biggest difference isn’t always easy. That’s where we come in.
Join hosts Kate Ellis, CEO of Raising Literacy Australia, and Amelia Mulcahy, much-loved South Australian journalist, as they sit down with childhood development experts to explore the science behind early learning and brain development in children aged 0–3. From understanding emotional regulation and the importance of early interactions to embracing music and navigating screen time, each episode is packed with practical tips and heartfelt insights you can start using right away.
The little things you do every day — like talking, reading, playing, and singing with your baby — help build the foundation for a lifetime of learning and connection. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here to guide you, with honest conversations, expert advice, and a judgement-free space that celebrates progress, not perfection.
The Words Grow Minds Parent Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Follow, review and start listening today.
Parent Podcast
Episode 1: Building your baby’s brain
Babies’ brains build the foundations for lifelong learning from the moment they’re conceived, with up to 85% of brain development happening in the first three years of life. But what exactly do babies need to grow strong, healthy brains? In this episode, we explore developmental neuroscience with Dr Sally Staton, breaking down how babies learn and what we can do to support them.
Parent Podcast
Episode 2: Screen time – help!
Screen time – it’s the battle of our parenting age. What’s the harm of storytelling cartoons like Bluey? What about the educational apps that teach literacy and numeracy? Dr Mary Brushe joins us to unpack the findings of her groundbreaking study on how screen time can interfere with early language development and give us tips to set up healthy habits for ourselves and our kids.
Parent Podcast
Episode 3: Small children, big feelings
Have you ever wondered what’s going on for your child during a supermarket meltdown? We’re diving into the challenging world of emotional regulation – better known as tantrums! Hear from Madhavi Nawana Parker as we discuss big feelings and share simple strategies to manage them in ways that calm the chaos and strengthen your connection with your toddler.
Parent Podcast
Episode 4: Noticing early differences
Babies have an incredible ability to communicate from birth, but not every baby will do so in the same way or at the same time. We’re joined by leading researcher, Professor Andrew Whitehouse, who has played a key role in developing the Inklings Program to help parents understand how to respond if they have concerns about their child’s social and communication development.
Parent Podcast
Episode 5: The Magic of Early Interactions
Do you know what’s happening in your baby’s brain when they giggle or mimic a sound? Early childhood expert Dr Dan Wuori shares tender baby-parent moments with his thousands of online followers to reveal the brain science behind connection and development – and to show just how powerful everyday interactions are in shaping a baby’s future.
Parent Podcast
Episode 6: It’s Emma Memma!
Beloved performer Dr Emma Watkins joins us to share how her years as the Yellow Wiggle inspired a deeper mission to create inclusive, joyful experiences – especially for deaf and non-verbal children. She reflects on the way Emma Memma was shaped by her PhD research and Auslan (Australian Sign Language) training and suggests ways to bring a little musical magic into your daily routine.