In this episode, Victoria is joined by Jemma Haythorne, a body and confidence coach, who shares her journey of healing from a poor relationship with food and body image, and how she now helps women cultivate self-love, body acceptance, and food freedom. Jemma discusses the importance of addressing internal struggles to create a healthier relationship with your body and food, and how this journey leads to greater confidence in all areas of life.

Key Topics Discussed:

 * The Role of a Body and Confidence Coach: Jemma explains how her work focuses on helping women build a positive relationship with their bodies, free from dieting, guilt, and shame. She dives into the link between body acceptance and confidence, and why they go hand-in-hand.
 * Jemma's Personal Journey: Jemma shares her struggles starting from a young age with body image, including the harmful impact of dieting and over-exercising. She talks about how this led to depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder, and how she finally overcame these challenges through self-work.
 * The Impact of Body Image on Mental Health: The conversation covers the dangerous cycle of dieting and body dissatisfaction, how external appearance can’t determine inner happiness, and why self-love and body neutrality are key to healing.
 * Healing Practices: Jemma provides valuable tools and exercises to help overcome body shame, including the Mirror Exercise, a simple yet powerful tool to improve body image. The exercise encourages you to look at yourself in the mirror without judgment and celebrate the parts of your body you love.
 * Raising Body-Confident Kids: Jemma shares tips for parents to help their children develop healthy body image and confidence from a young age. She discusses how important it is to monitor the language used around kids, particularly regarding food and body size, and the importance of leading by example.
 * Recommended Resources: For those seeking more guidance, Jemma shares some of her favourite resources and people to follow, including Kate Jones, The Bodzilla (April Helene Horton), and Jamila Jamil, who advocate for body diversity and self-love.

Takeaways:

 * Self-love and body neutrality are powerful tools for building confidence.
 * The journey to body acceptance and food freedom is unique for everyone, but with consistent practice and the right mindset, change is possible.
 * Teaching children healthy body image and self-love starts with modelling positive behaviours at home.

Resources Mentioned:

 * Embrace Kids – A great documentary and Instagram page for fostering body positivity in children.
 * Finding Freedom with Inspire Wellness – Gemma’s podcast, where she talks more about these topics. Specific episode mentioned - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2pfR8dTKrdj5J3bXTKKvvG?si=0a8504803c7f40c7 [https://kor01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fepisode%2F2pfR8dTKrdj5J3bXTKKvvG%3Fsi%3D0a8504803c7f40c7&data=05%7C02%7C%7C96ba8cf5941641292d6408ddd8989772%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638904872135094322%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=e8oGK5A5IaTdXT496uTuKAG%2BRuKdRQw2lWpvQXgCPZw%3D&reserved=0]

Follow Gemma:

 * Instagram: @inspire__wellness [https://www.instagram.com/inspire__wellness/]
 * Podcast: Finding Freedom with Inspire Wellness

12. The One About Raising Body-Confident Kids

🧠 Episode Summary:
In today’s episode of The Mindful Educator Podcast, Victoria dives into the ever-evolving topic of technology—how it's shaping our lives as adults and how it’s impacting our children. This is a real, raw conversation full of personal experiences, honest reflections, and the challenges of setting healthy boundaries in a tech-driven world.

From trying to reduce screen time at night, to using a lockbox for the kids’ devices, to navigating school tech use and those inevitable post-screen-time meltdowns—Victoria covers it all. You’ll also hear how she's working to model mindful tech habits (even when it’s not perfect), and the importance of adapting boundaries that feel right for your own family.

💬 What You'll Hear About:

 * Why technology is such a complex topic for modern families
 * Victoria’s personal struggles with screen boundaries—and small wins
 * Setting intentional tech limits as a parent and business owner
 * The ripple effect of adult screen habits on kids
 * Managing tech meltdowns and the power of consistent boundaries
 * How schools are using iPads and tech in learning
 * Encouragement to find what works for your unique family

📌 Key Takeaways:

 * There's no “one right way” to do tech at home—what matters is being mindful and intentional.
 * Our kids don’t yet have the ability to self-regulate with screens—so it's up to us to lead with love and clear limits.
 * Boundaries don’t have to be perfect—they just have to be conscious.

📝 Mentioned Tools & Tips:

 * Sleep mode and charging phones outside the bedroom
 * Turning off social media notifications
 * Lockboxes for kids’ devices
 * Setting time limits and screen-free zones (like dinner time!)
 * Locking streaming platforms to restrict YouTube/internet access

👂 Tune In If You:

 * Feel guilty about how often you check your phone
 * Are trying to set healthier screen habits at home
 * Want your kids to grow up with a more balanced relationship with tech
 * Just need reassurance that you’re not alone in the screen-time struggle

💌 Connect with Victoria:
Got a tech-related question or topic you’d like explored in a future episode? Reach out! Victoria would love to hear your thoughts, challenges, or what’s working for you.

11. The One Where I Hide the iPad

In this solo episode, Victoria dives into the ever-growing world of coaching — what it is, what it isn’t, and how to know if it’s the right next step for you. Whether you're coach-curious, considering investing in support, or just wondering what all the lingo means, this episode has you covered.

Victoria shares:

 * The key role of a coach and how it's different from a therapist
 * The wide range of coaching types (from mindset to spiritual to wellness)
 * The importance of choosing the right coach for you
 * Red flags to watch out for (hello, high-pressure sales tactics 👀)
 * A breakdown of common coaching industry jargon — no more head-scratching when someone mentions “holding space” or “energetic leaks”
 * Her own journey navigating the coaching space (including a few “oops” moments!)

This is your down-to-earth guide to demystifying coaching and approaching it mindfully, with a big dose of self-awareness and zero fluff.

🌿 Connect with Victoria on Instagram @the.victoria.r

💌 Got a question or want to share your thoughts? Slide into the DMs or shoot an email to the.victoria.r@outlook.com

10. The One Where You're Thinking About Working With a Coach

In this powerful and deeply insightful episode, Victoria chats with the vibrant and wise Hollie Wild – a woman whose personal journey has taken her from a strict cult-like religious upbringing to becoming a police officer, then evolving into a deeply intuitive practitioner in the healing space.

Hollie now works with spinal energetics, a fascinating body-based modality that goes beyond mindset and affirmations to help the body physically release stored emotional tension. Together, they unpack the science, the woo, and the wild (pun intended!) truth about how our bodies hold onto past experiences – even ones we think we’ve already processed.

Victoria also shares her own experience as a “guinea pig” client, and they dive into big questions like:

 * Can trauma show up in your body as physical pain?
 * What happens in a spinal energetics session?
 * Do we carry emotional wounds that aren’t even ours?
 * How can we help our children grow up with emotional awareness?
 * What’s one simple practice to reconnect to yourself today?

Whether you’re a curious listener, a parent trying to break generational patterns, or someone who feels a little “stuck” – this episode is a beautiful blend of real talk, education, and hope.

Connect with Hollie:
🌐 Website: www.holliewild.com
📱 Instagram: @holliewildd (yes, that’s a double D – not her bra size 😆)

Connect with Victoria:

IG: @the.victoria.r

9. The One Where the Body Spoke Louder Than Words

In this heartfelt and honest episode of The Mindful Educator Podcast, Victoria dives into the underestimated value of rest in our fast-paced society. Prompted by a simple question she saw online, "How do you rest without feeling guilty?", Victoria shares reflections, personal anecdotes, and practical strategies to help you embrace true rest without shame or guilt. From mindful silence and nostalgic joys to colouring books and Play-Doh, this episode is a gentle nudge to rediscover rest as a form of self-love and healing.

What You'll Hear:

 * Why rest feels taboo and how to break that mindset
 * The impact of modelling rest for our kids
 * Personal stories on walking, housework, and missing the black line of the pool
 * Meditation tips for beginners
 * Restful activities that don’t involve screens or endless scrolling
 * Giving yourself permission to rest without guilt
 * How rest leads to greater productivity and balance

Mindful Moments:

 * "Start small and reconnect with what you loved as a child."
 * "Let go of the idea that rest equals laziness."
 * "You don’t need to be seen doing something all the time."
 * "Your body and mind crave silence. Give them that gift."

Resources Mentioned:

 * Insight Timer App (for guided meditations)
 * Adult colouring books, paint-by-numbers, puzzles
 * Simple joys like cloud watching and walking barefoot in nature

Listener Challenge:Take 10 minutes today just for rest. No screens. No guilt. Just be. Whether it's lying on the grass, painting, or sitting in silence—notice how it makes you feel.

Connect with Victoria: Instagram @the.victoria.r

Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that rest is not just okay—it's essential.

8. The One Where We Talk About Rest

Ever feel like you're running on empty but can’t quite explain why? In this episode, I sit down with my naturopath Sarah for a real, grounding chat about what’s going on beneath the surface—especially for women and mums who are feeling burnt out, wired but tired, or just not quite right.

We dive into what your body might be trying to tell you, how modern life can push us into survival mode, and why it’s not all in your head. Sarah shares the signs to look out for, the simple shifts that can bring your nervous system back into balance, and why the path to healing often starts with slowing down (even just a little).

It’s the kind of conversation that might just have you saying, “Wait… that’s me.”
⁠
Whether you’re navigating the thick of mum life, juggling too many tabs open in your brain, or just craving a deeper sense of wellness—you’ll walk away feeling seen, supported, and a little more like yourself again.

In this episode, we chat about:
• What burnout really looks like (it’s not just exhaustion)
• How your body communicates when something’s off
• Why nervous system health is at the heart of true wellness
• The difference between pushing through and tuning in
• Gentle, everyday ways to start feeling better—without overhauling your whole life

Want to find out more about Sarah? Find her at https://www.sarahchelle.com/ or on socials @sarah_chelle_

Want to get in contact with Victoria? Find her on Instagram @the.victoria.r or Facebook - Victoria R. 

7. The One That Helps You Feel Like You Again

Welcome back to The Mindful Educator Podcast!

In this heartfelt and grounding episode, Victoria dives deep into the true meaning of mindfulness—beyond the buzzword and the misconceptions. Drawing from personal experience as a teacher, mum, and mindfulness instructor, she shares how this simple yet powerful practice has helped her navigate life's chaos and how it can do the same for you.

🎧 In this episode, you'll hear about:

 * The real definition of mindfulness (hint: it's not just meditation)
 * Why it matters now more than ever—for adults and especially our young people
 * Eye-opening mental health statistics in Australia and what they mean
 * Practical, down-to-earth ways to bring mindfulness into your day
 * “Oopsie days” – what they are and why they’re a sign you need to ground yourself
 * The ripple effect of stress and why a few deep breaths can make all the difference

Victoria shares relatable stories, emotional truths, and simple takeaways you can try immediately—whether you’re a busy parent, overwhelmed educator, or just in need of a mindful reset.

🧠✨ Try the week-long mindfulness challenge Victoria mentions and let her know how you go!

💬 Mentioned in this episode:

 * Free Daily Mindfulness + Gratitude Journal (coming soon to the website)
 * Weekly mindfulness tips on Instagram and Facebook

6. The One Where Mindfulness Makes a Comeback

In this soulful and thought-provoking episode of The Mindful Educator Podcast, Victoria R is joined by the ever-warm and inspiring Courtney from Seeking Wilder. Together, they dive deep into the power of self-trust, intuitive living, mum life, business boundaries, and how to embrace all the multifaceted parts of ourselves—without shame.

Courtney shares her journey from deep personal grief and a background in a restrictive religious environment, to stepping into her full self as an intuitive coach, astrologer, and founder of the Soul Seeker Society. Her story is one of transformation, healing, and following the breadcrumbs of joy.

We explore:

 * How to begin reconnecting with your intuition (hint: it’s more basic than you think)
 * Why rejecting parts of ourselves can leave us fragmented, and how to lovingly call them home
 * What it's like to set fierce boundaries as a mum and business owner
 * The origin of Courtney’s deeply popular Year of Abundance readings
 * Why your intuition can't thrive when your nervous system is fried
 * Creating legacy and impact for future generations
 * The magic of embracing all of you—even the bits you hide

Plus, Courtney offers a special free month inside the Soul Seeker Society for listeners—a powerful step for anyone ready to deepen their connection to self.

Links & Resources:

 * Connect with Courtney: @seekingwilder [https://www.instagram.com/seekingwilder]
 * Join the Soul Seeker Society (use code MindfulEducator): https://www.seekingwilder.com/SoulSeekersSociety
 * Victoria’s Coaching: @the.victoria.r

Loved this chat? Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Your support means the world and helps more beautiful humans find this mindful corner of the internet.

5. The One With Courtney from Seeking Wilder

In today’s solo episode, I’m diving deep into something that’s been sitting close to my heart lately—gratitude. Yep, that simple, often underestimated mindset shift that can change the way we see the world.

After recently devouring The Resilience Project by Hugh van Cuylenburg (picked it up randomly in Kmart—don’t you love those finds?), I was reminded just how powerful focusing on the good can be. I chat about Hugh’s journey, what he learned teaching in India, and how that led to his work with elite athletes and the creation of The Resilience Project, grounded in the G.E.M. principles—Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness.

I chat about:

 * Why I normally lean towards fiction (hello, fantasy lovers!), but this book pulled me right in
 * How gratitude literally rewires your brain
 * Practical ways I’ve been incorporating gratitude into our family life and mindfulness sessions
 * The adorable “dis, dis!” story from the book that stuck with me
 * Why we need to stop waiting for the “perfect” life to feel happy, and start seeing what’s good now

Plus, I’m giving you a little “homework”—a gentle nudge to find 2–3 things you’re grateful for each day and actually say them out loud, write them down, or share them with someone you love.

This one’s for the educators, mums, and busy women who need a little nudge back to the present moment. Let’s start seeing the Red Mazdas (you’ll get it when you listen 😉) and lean into the good that’s already here.

Links & Mentions:

 * The Resilience Project – Official Website [https://theresilienceproject.com.au/]
 * Book: The Resilience Project by Hugh van Cuylenburg

Let’s Connect:
If today’s episode resonated, I’d love to hear your thoughts or what you’re grateful for. Share with me on Instagram @mindfuleducatorpodcast or tag me in your gratitude wins!

4. The One With the Kmart Book Find

In this heartfelt and deeply inspiring conversation, Victoria is joined by her first podcast guest — mindset coach and founder of The Mind School, Breanna May. Together, they dive into emotional intelligence, the shortcomings of the current education system, and why teaching our kids (and ourselves) how to feel, fail and try again matters more than any report card.

Breanna shares her journey from frustrated 20-something to high school teacher to purpose-driven entrepreneur, building programs that help women and children alike level up their lives. Expect laughs, honesty, and more than a few goosebump moments. This one’s a must-listen for parents, teachers, and anyone ready to rethink what learning really means.

Please note, there is mild language used in this episode.

You can find Breanna on her website - https://www.breannamay.com/; and on Instagram - @iambreannamay

3. The One With Breanna May

Welcome to The Mindful Educator Podcast with Victoria R your go-to space for exploring mindset, education, mum life, mindfulness, health, and more. Whether you’re seeking calm amidst the chaos or bold strategies for transformative shifts, this podcast offers personal wisdom, practical advice, and inspiring conversations to help you build a more balanced, fulfilling life.

As a mum, teacher, mindfulness coach, multi-business owner, and city-turned-country girl, Victoria shares lessons she wishes she’d known sooner while guiding you on a journey of personal growth and meaningful change. Join her and other remarkable women as they share stories, insights, and actionable practices to empower your most intentional way of living.

Victoria R

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