The Chattering Classes

To end the year I go over the films, books and music I’ve enjoyed throughout the year. It’s just me talking. Merry New Year to you all from all of us at The Chatterings. See you in the new year.

(55 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 31/12/24)

The 4 of us from the 200th are back for the season finale where we go through all the questions we hadn’t got to before. Funeral ideas, problematic sports, hot chips, art and artists, teaching strategies and unused talents. I also tell a story previously unheard on this podcast that is pretty weird.

Thank you for joining us beyond 200. See you next year.

(90 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 29/11/24)

Emily Squires joins me again to discuss many things about books and how creativity works. We go over miscommunication with your children and how to weigh up decisions that impact our kids. We also discover a book that the New York Times described as ‘Surprisingly tedious.’

(56 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 22/11/24)

The four of us are back, after some sound mishaps, and we finish answering questions for the 200th episode spectacular. We cover the nice times of your courtships, the books we would write but can’t find, Simpsons references galore and time dilation, time travel, and other careers. Thanks to everyone who sent in questions and to all the listeners.

(77 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 15/11/24)

The 200th Episode is here and it is spectacular. I start the podcast with the producer Nick answering questions from people from the show’s past, but the mood changes with some special guests dropping by and much fun was had. We go through stupidity, delight, care and night flies.

Join us next week for part 2 of the 200th.

(76 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 8/11/24)

Alyson asked me a question for the 200th episode but I thought we could spend a while discussing our shared history. But of course we get sidetracked immediately by ocean temperature, literary jaunts and severe haircuts. Plus we keep the tape running and finish the pod with an awesome chat about much more important things like life, love and grief.

(44 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 1/11/24)

My kids introduced me to Nova Weetman’s books and then I’ve taught her novels to students, so this was a great time for me. We discuss her writing process, Koala nocturnal habits, interconnectedness and talking to young people. You can find all of Nova’s books through https://www.novaweetman.com.au

(55 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 18/10/24)

Angela Ward and I recorded in front of very large windows looking over a golf course so we got very distracted from the start. Started off talking about golf, a couple of interruptions along the way, until we discussed teaching in Inclusion Support. Angela and I talk about the finer points of supporting students, parents and teachers. We also discuss the art of contextual professionalism.

(43 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 11/10/24)

Nick, the producer, joins me in this mini episode, to talk about the weird kids at school, self-acceptance and affectations. We then unpack a compliment and the ways our brains operate under pressure. Nick goes out of focus, which is NOT a metaphor.

(34 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 4/10/24)