In this incredibly important and eye-opening episode, I’m joined by Kristi McVee - a former WA police officer, child abuse detective, and now child safety educator.

Kristi spent over a decade working closely with children and families in some of the most confronting situations imaginable. Through her experience, she developed a deep understanding of how grooming happens, what red flags to look for, and - most importantly - what actually helps protect children.

This is one of those conversations that may feel uncomfortable at times… but it’s also one that every parent, educator, and caregiver truly needs to hear.

Because when we understand more, we can do more.

💡 In This Episode, We Cover:

 * Why most harm comes from someone known to the child (not strangers)
 * How grooming actually works - and why adults are often groomed first
 * The subtle (and often missed) red flags in behaviour
 * Why confident, empowered children are far less likely to be targeted
 * How predators build trust and create distance between children and their safe adults

Practical Strategies for Parents

 * Think of the internet like a pool: Put a fence around it (boundaries + controls)
   Teach them how to swim (education)
   Supervise where possible
 * Keep devices in shared spaces
 * Avoid devices in bedrooms and bathrooms
 * Set clear boundaries and time limits
 * Focus on connection over control
 * Stay calm and approachable so your child feels safe to come to you

Why This Conversation Matters

This isn’t about fear.

It’s about raising children who:

 * trust themselves
 * understand their bodies
 * feel confident to speak up
 * know they will be listened to

Because those are the children who are most protected.

🔗 Connect with Kristi McVee

 * Website: https://www.kristimcvee.com [https://www.kristimcvee.com/]
 * Instagram: @kristimcvee
 * Facebook: Kristi McVee

🔗 Connect with Victoria

 * Website: www.victoria-r.com.au
 * Instagram: @the.victoria.r
 * Email: hello@victoria-r.com.au

41. The One About Protecting Our Children (with Kristi McVee)

In this episode, Victoria shares a powerful, relatable insight sparked by something as simple as cleaning dirty walls during a renovation. What started as a practical task turned into a deeper reflection on how we treat our bodies - ignoring small signs until they build into something overwhelming.

Victoria dives into the concept of stress and how it accumulates over time when left unaddressed. She explains why burnout doesn’t happen overnight, how our bodies are constantly communicating with us, and what we can do to prevent reaching that breaking point.

This episode is a gentle but honest reminder that stress isn’t something to eliminate - it’s something to manage. And often, it’s the small, consistent habits that make the biggest difference.

Key Takeaways

 * Stress is unavoidable - but burnout is not
 * Your body is always giving you signals - are you listening?
 * Small, regular “maintenance” prevents overwhelming “clean-ups” later
 * You don’t need to overhaul your life - start with simple, realistic changes
 * Rest is just as important as productivity
 * Emotional energy (like resentment or anger) can be just as draining as physical stress

A Gentle Reminder

You don’t need to wait until you hit burnout to make changes. Your body is constantly communicating with you - learning to listen and respond early can change everything.

Mentioned in This Episode

Victoria shares her passion for helping women understand stress, prevent burnout, and reconnect with their bodies - something she explores deeply in her programs and workshops.

Connect with Victoria

If this episode resonated with you, or you’re feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start, Victoria invites you to reach out:

🌐 www.victoria-r.com.au
📧 hello@victoria-r.com.au
📱 Instagram: @the.victoria.r

Loved This Episode?

Share it with a friend, take a screenshot and tag Victoria on Instagram, or leave a review to help more women access these tools and insights.

40. The One About Stress, Signals & Small Changes That Matter

In this episode, I share reflections from a recent speaking workshop with Annelise McCarthy and the powerful reminders it gave me about communication, confidence, and using our voice.

We speak every single day, yet so many of us have never really been taught how to communicate clearly, listen properly, or speak with confidence - especially in challenging or unfamiliar situations.

I chat about some of the simple techniques I learnt, including:

 * how to answer “What do you do?” more clearly
 * the power of pausing before you speak
 * reducing filler words
 * speaking with more authority
 * and the importance of truly listening

I also reflect on how these skills are just as important for our children as they are for us, and why communication is something we need to model, teach, and keep practising.

I finish by sharing 3 simple questions that can help in moments of conflict or miscommunication - whether with children, partners, or colleagues.

A practical and thoughtful episode that will leave you reflecting on how you use your own voice, and where communication in your life could be strengthened.

📩 Connect with me

🌐 www.victoria-r.com.au
📧 hello@victoria-r.com.au
📱 Instagram: @the.victoria.r

39. The One Where We Learn to Use Our Voice

In this fascinating and down-to-earth conversation, Victoria is joined by Lyndy Jewell - psychic medium, intuitive healer, oracle card creator, and all-round deeply insightful human.

Lyndy shares her journey into this work, from intuitive experiences in childhood through to building the confidence to step fully into her gifts and create a career helping others. Together, Victoria and Lyndy explore intuition, spirit, energetic boundaries, skepticism, healing, and what it really means to trust yourself.

This episode is a beautiful blend of humour, honesty, grounded wisdom, and open-minded curiosity. Whether you are deeply into energy work or simply curious about intuition and the unseen, this conversation offers plenty to reflect on.

A few key reminders from this episode:

 * You do not have to follow the same path as the people before you
 * Intuition often strengthens when you start paying attention to the small nudges
 * Sometimes understanding comes in hindsight - and that is part of the process
 * Gratitude can be a powerful way to shift your energy and calm your nervous system
 * Looking after your energy does not have to be complicated
 * You do not need to have it all figured out - sometimes you just need to give yourself a break

Lyndy’s final piece of advice:

Give yourself a break.
So much of the intensity we feel is coming from within. Slow down, breathe deeply, release some of the tension you are carrying, and remember that you are worth caring for too.

Connect with Lyndy Jewell:

Website:
https://www.lyndyjewell.com.au [https://www.lyndyjewell.com.au/]

1:1 Readings:
https://www.lyndyjewell.com.au/readings

Online Courses (intuition & energy healing):
https://www.lyndyjewell.com.au/course

Sweary Oracle Cards:
https://www.lyndyjewell.com.au/oracle-cards

Socials:
Facebook: @lyndyjewellhealing
Instagram: @lyndyjewellpsychicmedium
TikTok: @lyndyjewellpsychicmedium

Connect with Victoria:

Website:
www.victoria-r.com.au

Email:
hello@victoria-r.com.au

Instagram:
@the.victoria.r

38. The One Where We Talk Intuition, Spirit & Energy (with Lyndy Jewell)

This week’s episode is a raw, honest, and thought-provoking conversation about what happens when you start seeing the world a little differently.

After going down a bit of a “rabbit hole,” I share what’s been coming up for me lately - from global events and societal shifts, to parenting, technology, and the importance of critical thinking.

This isn’t about telling you what to believe. It’s about encouraging you to pause, question, and think for yourself - while staying grounded, open, and empowered.

What We Cover

 * The moment things started to feel “off” and sparked deeper questioning
 * The impact of recent global events and the overwhelm many are feeling
 * Why it’s becoming harder to know what’s true - and how to navigate that
 * The danger of blindly following any narrative (on all sides)
 * The importance of curiosity, discernment, and doing your own research
 * The balance between awareness and going too far down the rabbit hole

Big Reflections

 * We are living in a time of rapid change and information overload
 * Many people are starting to question long-held beliefs and systems
 * There are multiple perspectives on everything - and no single source holds the full truth
 * It’s okay to feel overwhelmed… but it’s also important not to switch off completely

Key Message

👉 Don’t blindly follow… but don’t blindly dismiss either.

We need more people who are:

 * Curious
 * Open-minded
 * Willing to question
 * Able to think for themselves

My Role in This

I share a little about what I’m currently working on - developing a curriculum designed to support children (and adults) in:

 * Mindfulness
 * Nervous system regulation
 * Self-awareness
 * Critical thinking

Because in a world that feels chaotic, grounded, aware humans are more important than ever.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

I would love to hear from you:

 * Have you been questioning things more lately?
 * What have you come across that made you pause or rethink?
 * Do you agree, disagree, or sit somewhere in between?

Come and share your thoughts - I’m always open to respectful conversation and different perspectives.

Connect With Me

🌐 www.victoria-r.com.au
📧 hello@victoria-r.com.au
📱 @the.victoria.r

37. The One Where We Start Questioning Everything

In this episode of The Mindful Educator Podcast, Victoria is joined by sleep consultant and founder of Sleep Thrive Grow, Jen, for a compassionate and insightful conversation about sleep, parenting, nervous system regulation, and the reality of raising little humans.

Jen shares how her background as a nurse, combined with her own experiences as a mother of three, led her into the world of sleep consulting. What began as a personal journey to better understand her own children grew into a deeply supportive business helping families navigate sleep in a way that feels realistic, flexible, and aligned with their unique needs.

Together, Victoria and Jen explore why sleep is never just about sleep. They discuss the role of attachment, co-regulation, temperament, parental overwhelm, and the importance of moving away from rigid, one-size-fits-all sleep methods. Jen explains her holistic approach, which considers not only the child, but the entire family dynamic, nervous system capacity, lifestyle, and emotional wellbeing.

This episode is full of reassurance for parents who feel like they’re getting it wrong, along with practical wisdom around what children actually need in order to feel safe enough to rest.

In this episode, we chat about:

 * Jen’s journey from nursing to sleep consulting
 * How her own children shaped her parenting and coaching approach
 * Why sleep support should never be one-size-fits-all
 * The connection between sleep, nervous systems, and emotional regulation
 * Why babies and children borrow regulation from us
 * How parental triggers and overwhelm can impact sleep
 * The importance of flexibility, experimentation, and dropping rigid rules
 * Why connection and safety matter more than perfection
 * Sleep challenges in older children and how developmental changes can affect bedtime
 * Jen’s REST framework for supporting sleep
 * Why “pause” may be one of the most powerful parenting tools we have

A reminder from this conversation:

You are not supposed to know exactly what you’re doing all the time. Parenting is a constant learning curve, and sleep is not a measure of your worth as a parent. There is so much power in staying curious, softening expectations, and supporting both yourself and your child with compassion.

Connect with Jen:

You can find Jen at Sleep Thrive Grow on Instagram:
@sleep_thrive_grow

She also hosts her own podcast, Thriving Parenting, and offers a range of support options including one-on-one coaching, sleep guides, and membership support for parents.

Connect with Victoria:

🌐 www.victoria-r.com.au [http://www.victoria-r.com.au/]
📧 hello@victoria-r.com.au
📱 @the.victoria.r

36. The One About Sleep and the Nervous System (with Jen of Sleep Thrive Grow)

In this short but powerful episode, Victoria shares reflections after spending time in highly motivated, growth-focused environments during a recent content and planning trip. Inspired by the energy, ideas, and perspectives she experienced, she explores why who we surround ourselves with plays a significant role in shaping our beliefs, confidence, and future possibilities.

This episode dives into how our subconscious mind absorbs the “normal” around us — from childhood beliefs about success and money to the expectations created by our everyday environments - and why intentionally placing ourselves in new spaces can help expand what we believe is possible.

If you’ve ever felt limited by old stories, unsure about stepping into bigger goals, or hesitant to pursue something that feels “beyond you,” this episode is your reminder that growth often begins by simply changing the rooms you step into.

Key Takeaway

The limits we experience are often learned - not real.
When you intentionally place yourself in environments that reflect where you want to go, your mind begins to accept new possibilities as achievable and normal.

Sometimes growth isn’t about becoming someone new - it’s about allowing yourself to expand beyond the box you were taught to stay in.

Reflection Questions

 * Where might you be limiting yourself based on what feels “normal”?
 * Who inspires you - and how can you spend more time in those spaces or communities?
 * Which environments leave you feeling energised, motivated, and expansive?
 * What is one room (literal or metaphorical) you could step into next?

Connect with Victoria

🌐 Website: www.victoria-r.com.au [http://www.victoria-r.com.au/]
📧 Email: hello@victoria-r.com.au
📱 Instagram: @the.victoria.r

If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag Victoria — she loves hearing how these conversations are landing for you.

35. The One About Getting In The Right Rooms

In this powerful solo episode, Victoria dives into a topic that has been coming up again and again in conversations lately - the difference between living from a victim mindset and stepping into radical responsibility.

This episode is not about dismissing real experiences, pain, or trauma. Instead, it’s about gently bringing awareness to the patterns that can keep us stuck and exploring how we can shift back into an empowered state where we take ownership of our responses, emotions, and choices.

Victoria shares honest reflections, personal insights, and practical mindset shifts to help you recognise where you might be giving away your power - and how to begin reclaiming it.

In This Episode, We Explore:

 * What “victim mentality” really looks like (and why all of us can fall into it at times)
 * The subtle signs you might notice in yourself or others:
   Blame shifting
   Constant complaining
   Feeling powerless or helpless
   Defensiveness and guilt-tripping
   The “woe is me” mindset
   Resistance to change
 * Why playing the victim can feel safe — and the hidden secondary gains behind it
 * The difference between honouring your experiences and staying stuck in them
 * What radical responsibility actually means and how it puts you back in the driver’s seat
 * Emotional ownership and recognising that we control our responses
 * Powerful mindset reframes:
   Moving from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What can I learn from this?”
 * The role of boundaries, self-care, and self-reflection in breaking negative cycles
 * How resentment and anger drain your energy — and how forgiveness can create space for growth
 * Teaching children emotional responsibility, resilience, and empowered thinking through modelling and conversation

Reflection Questions:

 * Where in my life might I be giving my power away?
 * What lesson could be hidden within a challenging situation?
 * What is one small action I can take today to move into an empowered state?

Loved This Episode?

If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who may need a gentle reminder that they have more power than they realise. Your support helps this message reach more women, parents, and educators navigating their own growth journeys.

Get in touch - hello@victoria-r.com.au; www.victoria-r.com.au; @the.victoria.r

34. The One About Victim Mentality vs Radical Responsibility

This week’s episode is a deeply personal one. I’m opening up about parts of my journey that I haven’t spoken about much before - my experiences with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and the shame that once surrounded my mental health.

From navigating early struggles as a teenager, to living overseas in England and experiencing one of the most challenging periods of my life, I share how these moments shaped the work I do today and the passion I have for helping women and children understand their minds and emotions.

This conversation isn’t about having it all figured out - it’s about normalising the ups and downs of being human, removing stigma, and reminding you that support, tools, and healing are always available.

If you’ve ever felt alone in your mental health journey, this episode is for you.

✨ In This Episode We Talk About:

 * My personal story with depression and anxiety - and why it felt hard to share
 * Experiencing mental health challenges as a teenager and not recognising the signs
 * Living in England, seasonal changes, and how environment can impact wellbeing
 * Panic attacks: what they felt like, what helped, and how to support someone through one
 * The shame many people carry around medication and seeking help
 * Why finding the right psychologist, coach, or support person matters
 * The role mindfulness, emotional awareness, and nervous system tools have played in my healing
 * How these experiences shaped my passion for helping women and children
 * Teaching emotional awareness to the next generation and breaking the stigma cycle

🌿 A Gentle Reminder

This episode shares personal experiences and reflections. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you’re struggling, please reach out to a trusted health professional or support service.

🔗 Connect With Me

If this episode resonated with you, I would truly love to hear from you.
Share your thoughts, your story, or what you took away - these conversations matter.

Email - hello@victoria-r.com.au; IG - @the.victoria.r

33. The One With My Mental Health Story (And Why I’m Sharing It Now)

In this episode, I gently unpack the heaviness many of us are feeling in the world right now - the constant stream of negative news, overwhelming information, and the emotional toll it can take on us as adults, parents, and educators.

Rather than diving into fear or sensationalism, this conversation focuses on what is within our control: how we think, how we protect our energy, and how we support the children in our lives to grow into thoughtful, grounded humans.

We explore the importance of critical thinking - not blindly accepting everything we’re told, but learning to question, reflect, and consider multiple perspectives with curiosity rather than judgement. This is a skill many of us were never taught, and one that feels more important now than ever.

I also share practical, real-life ways we can:

 * Teach critical thinking to children (at home, in classrooms, and through everyday conversations)
 * Model analytical and open-minded thinking as adults
 * Reduce the impact of doom-scrolling, negative media, and information overload
 * Set firm but realistic boundaries around social media, news, and technology
 * Protect our mental health and nervous systems during challenging times
 * Reconnect with gratitude, mindfulness, kindness, and the small moments that ground us

This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and come back to yourself - while also raising children who can think for themselves, question respectfully, and navigate the world with discernment and compassion.

✨ In this episode, we talk about:

 * Why the current state of the world feels so overwhelming
 * The role of critical thinking in today’s society
 * How to teach children to question information without fear
 * Why different perspectives aren’t wrong - just different
 * Celebrity culture, idolisation, and media influence
 * Simple ways to model critical thinking for kids
 * Protecting your energy and mental health
 * Setting boundaries with news, social media, and technology
 * Gratitude, mindfulness, and being the positive ripple in your world

🌱 Mentioned in this episode:
I’m also hosting a free webinar on finding your spark again - for anyone feeling flat, burnt out, or disconnected from themselves. The link is here - https://victoria-r.com.au/webinar-why-youve-lost-your-spark/, and I’d love to see you there.

If this episode resonated with you, I’d truly love to hear your thoughts. What conversations are you already having at home or in your classroom? How are you supporting your own mental wellbeing right now?

Thanks for being here. And remember: protect your energy, honour your boundaries, and keep coming back to what matters most.

32. The One About Raising Thinkers, Not Followers

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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