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In this episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy flies solo to explore a question that’s been shaping her work as a clinician and mum: we talk a lot about raising resilient kids, but are we giving them enough opportunities to become capable? Through everyday examples from bedtime routines to collecting an order at the local coffee shop, Lizzy reflects on how easily helping can turn into doing. She explores how we can support children to understand their bodies, recognise what they need, and build the skills and confidence to think, “I can have a go at this.” Lizzy also discusses the relationship between movement skills, confidence and participation, and why therapy needs to make a difference beyond the clinic. From navigating friendships to joining playground games and getting ready for school, capability grows through meaningful opportunities to practise—with support that gradually changes as children’s skills develop. Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.Thrive Research Referenced Research discussed in this episode explores the relationship between motor competence, perceived competence and physical activity. Stodden, D. F., et al. (2008). A developmental perspective on the role of motor skill competence in physical activity: An emergent relationship. Quest, 60(2), 290–306. Robinson, L. E., et al. (2015). Motor competence and its effect on positive developmental trajectories of health. Sports Medicine, 45, 1273–1284. Logan, S. W., Robinson, L. E., Wilson, A. E., & Lucas, W. A. (2012). Getting the fundamentals of movement: A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of motor skill interventions in children. Child: Care, Health and Development, 38(3), 305–315. Lubans, D. R., Morgan, P. J., Cliff, D. P., Barnett, L. M., & Okely, A. D. (2010). Fundamental movement skills in children and adolescents: Review of associated health benefits. Sports Medicine, 40, 1019–1035. Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W. H. Freeman. Connect With Us Emily Mackie Website: www.emilymackie.com.au Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie Lizzy Dawson Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au Instagram: @lizzydawson_

What started as watching AI videos during late-night feeds became a complete overhaul of the Successful Speechie Academy. In this solo episode of the Move.Talk.Thrive Podcast, Emily shares how following her curiosity during maternity leave led her to rethink the way she organised and presented her preschool language resources. With existing systems, support from her team and a few focused work blocks each week, she explains how AI helped her bring the rebuild together in around three months. But her biggest takeaway goes beyond AI: confidence grows when you put what you learn into practice. From testing ideas before introducing them to a team to working through the messy middle of learning something new, this episode explores implementation, leadership and why your next step might be another repetition, not another course. Resources Mentioned Successful Speechie Academy: Explore Emily’s preschool language resources and training through www.successfulspeechieacademy.com Free preschool language training: www.successfulspeechieacademy.com/free Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive What’s one thing you’ve learned recently that you’re ready to put into practice? Share this episode with an allied health professional, business owner or colleague who’s learning something new and finding themselves in the messy middle. Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive Watch on YouTube: Move.Talk.Thrive Connect With Us Lizzy Dawson Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au Instagram: @lizzydawson_ Emily Mackie Website: www.emilymackie.com.au Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

In this special 100th episode of the Move.Talk.Thrive Podcast, Emily returns to the mic and catches up with Lizzy on motherhood, business, overwhelm, resilience and everything in between. Almost six months after welcoming her third baby, Emily reflects on navigating a season of major transition and the mindset shift that helped her feel more empowered: “This was my choice.” Lizzy and Emily also look back on 100 episodes of honest conversations about the human side of allied health, from leadership and personal development to fear of failure, business and life beyond the clinic. Whether you’re navigating a big transition, motherhood, leadership or simply a season that feels especially full, this episode is a reminder that overwhelm doesn’t always mean something is wrong; sometimes, it means you’re growing. Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive If you’ve been listening along the way, thank you for helping us reach 100 episodes! Share this milestone episode with a fellow allied health professional, business owner or mum who might need the reminder that growth and overwhelm can sometimes exist at the same time. Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive Watch on YouTube: Move.Talk.Thrive Connect With Us Lizzy Dawson Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au Instagram: @lizzydawson_ Emily Mackie Website: www.emilymackie.com.au Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

How does movement support the sensory system, and why does this matter when working with children? In this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy explores the connection between sensory input, motor output, regulation and participation from an exercise physiology perspective. She explains why children who crash, jump, avoid movement, struggle to sit still, become dysregulated or refuse activities may not be showing “bad behaviour”, they may be communicating sensory and nervous system needs. Lizzy also breaks down the vestibular, proprioceptive and interoceptive systems, and shares practical ways to adapt therapy environments in clinics, gyms, schools, early learning centres and homes. From calming movement and heavy work to becoming a sensory detective in the first few minutes of a session, this episode is a helpful listen for paediatric clinicians, parents and educators who want to better understand how movement can support regulation and participation. Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive If this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, clinician, educator or allied health professional who supports children with movement, regulation, sensory needs or participation challenges. Follow on Instagram → @movetalkthrive Watch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.Thrive Connect with Us Lizzy Dawson Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au Instagram: @lizzydawson_ Emily Mackie Website: www.emilymackie.com.au Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

In this solo episode, Lizzy shares how research has shaped her confidence, clinical reasoning and advocacy as a paediatric exercise physiologist. She reflects on her journey from consuming research to partnering with the University of Queensland on an independent review of her Kids Heart Pilates program. Lizzy also shares the unexpected benefits of being involved in research, from professional growth and recruitment to networking, advocacy and new opportunities. A thoughtful and encouraging episode for clinicians, allied health business owners and practitioners who are curious about research, evidence-based practice and creating a bigger impact through their work. Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive If this episode resonated with you, share it with a clinician, allied health business owner, educator or practitioner who is curious about research, evidence-based practice or creating a bigger impact through their work. Follow on Instagram → @movetalkthrive Watch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.Thrive Connect with Us Lizzy Dawson Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au Instagram: @lizzydawson_ Emily Mackie Website: www.emilymackie.com.au Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

In this solo episode, Lizzy unpacks the difference between stimulation, regulation and behaviour and why understanding this distinction matters when supporting children. She explores how sensory input affects the nervous system, why regulation does not always mean calm, and how behaviour is often the outward signal of what is happening underneath. Lizzy also shares how movement, environment and co-regulation can support children more effectively at home, in therapy and in early learning settings. Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive If this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, clinician or early childhood educator who supports children with big behaviours, sensory needs or regulation challenges. Follow on Instagram → @movetalkthrive Watch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.Thrive Connect with Us Lizzy Dawson Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au Instagram: @lizzydawson_ Emily Mackie Website: www.emilymackie.com.au Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

In this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy reflects on what she wishes she knew when she first started working in paediatrics. This episode is for new grads, clinicians brushing up on their paediatric skills, supervisors, managers and business owners supporting new clinicians. Lizzy unpacks why clinical confidence is not about having all the answers, but about connection, flexibility, curiosity and self-regulation. From challenging sessions and group environments to masking, parent expectations and learning how to read the room, this conversation is a practical and reassuring reminder that confidence is built inside the session, not before you walk into it. Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow allied health business owner who needs to hear this. Follow on Instagram: @movetalkthrive Watch on YouTube: Move.Talk.Thrive Your Hosts Lizzy Dawson Website: lizzydawson.com.au Instagram: @lizzydawson_ Emily Mackie Website: emilymackie.com.au Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

In this episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy chats with Michelle Kvello, founder of Lantern Partners and fractional CFO, about financial clarity for allied health business owners. Michelle breaks down the numbers every business owner should understand ; from cash flow and pricing to gross margin, utilisation rates, payday super changes, and preparing for NDIS funding uncertainty. This is a practical, empowering conversation for allied health business owners who want to feel more confident, informed and in control of their finances. In this episode, we cover: Why cash and profit are not the same thing The difference between gross margin and net margin How utilisation rates impact profitability Why pricing correctly supports your purpose How to prepare for NDIS changes through scenario modelling What the payday super changes could mean for your cash flow Resources mentioned: Cash Flow Forecast Template Pricing Calculator Connect with Michelle: Website: lanternpartners.com.au Instagram: @michellekvello Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow allied health business owner who needs to hear this. Follow on Instagram: @movetalkthrive Watch on YouTube: Move.Talk.Thrive Your Hosts Lizzy Dawson Website: lizzydawson.com.au Instagram: @lizzydawson_ Emily Mackie Website: emilymackie.com.au Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

The allied health landscape is changing, and paediatric practitioners, clinics and families are all feeling the uncertainty. In this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy shares reflections from recent conversations with allied health business owners around NDIS changes, the proposed Thriving Kids model, advocacy, business sustainability and the future of paediatric care. She also explores why working with children helps practitioners build the soft skills that matter most: communication, rapport, engagement, flexibility, parent education and client care. Whether you’re a clinician, business owner or allied health leader, this episode is a timely reminder that preparing for change starts with strengthening the skills, systems and conversations happening inside our teams. Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague working in paediatrics or early learning. Follow on Instagram → @movetalkthrive Watch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.Thrive Connect with Us Lizzy Dawson Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au Instagram: @lizzydawson_ Emily Mackie Website: www.emilymackie.com.au Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

In this episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson shares an inside look at running a successful pediatric holiday program and why it has become such a valuable part of her clinic. From managing cancellations and maintaining continuity of care to creating a supportive, low-stimulation environment for children with complex needs, Lizzy breaks down what makes a holiday program truly effective. She also shares practical insights on staffing, structure, and how these programs can improve therapy outcomes while supporting both families and clinicians. Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague working in early learning or paediatrics. Follow on Instagram → @movetalkthrive Watch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.Thrive Lizzy Dawson Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au Instagram: @lizzydawson_ Connect with Us Emily Mackie Website: www.emilymackie.com.au Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

In this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson explores why therapy strategies that work in the clinic often don’t translate into real life. Lizzy unpacks the gap between controlled therapy environments and the realities of home, school, and early learning, and shares practical ways clinicians can create more functional, meaningful outcomes. From aligning clinical goals with real-world impact to improving communication with parents and educators, this episode will help you deliver therapy that actually carries over. Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague working in early learning or paediatrics. Follow on Instagram → @movetalkthrive Watch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.Thrive Connect with Us Lizzy Dawson Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au Instagram: @lizzydawson_ Emily Mackie Website: www.emilymackie.com.au Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

In this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson explores why the word “sales” feels uncomfortable for many allied health professionals — and why it shouldn’t. Lizzy reframes sales as clear communication, education, and advocacy for client outcomes, explaining that practitioners are already “selling” every time they help families understand what they’re seeing, why it matters, and what the next step should be. Lizzy’s Simple 3-Step Communication Framework Lizzy shares a practical formula practitioners can use during sessions or assessments to communicate recommendations clearly: 1) Lead with what you see Start with a clear observation. 2) Explain the impact Help parents understand why this observation matters. 3) Give a clear recommendation Offer a specific plan for intervention. Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague who works in early learning settings. Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.Thrive Connect with Us Emily Mackie Website: www.emilymackie.com.au Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie Lizzy Dawson Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au Instagram: @lizzydawson_

In this solo episode, Lizzy Dawson explores the topic of client retention in pediatric allied health and why it should be seen as a matter of clinical leadership, not just administration. After reviewing patterns inside her own clinic, Lizzy shares what she discovered about why families disengage from services and where clinics often “leak” clients — including school holiday transitions, funding gaps, and clinician turnover. She explains how better systems, clearer communication, and stronger clinical goal setting can help improve retention and support more consistent progress for children. Lizzy also highlights the importance of helping parents understand the functional outcomes of therapy, building meaningful relationships with families, and ensuring goals are emotionally relevant and clearly communicated. This episode offers practical insights for allied health clinicians and clinic owners who want to strengthen client engagement, improve continuity of care, and build more sustainable pediatric services. Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague working in pediatric allied health. Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.Thrive Emily Mackie Website: www.emilymackie.com.au Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie Connect with Us Lizzy Dawson Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au Instagram: @lizzydawson_

In this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson shares 16+ years of real-world experience working inside early learning centres — and why they’re not mini clinics. As funding models shift, more clinicians are moving into group-based, naturalistic settings. But one-on-one strategies don’t automatically work in busy, noisy classrooms. Lizzy breaks down:• Why modelling in real time beats theory• How educator burnout impacts outcomes• Why collaboration matters more than clinical delivery• How movement can be a powerful clinical lens Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague who works in early learning settings. Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.Thrive Connect with Us Emily Mackie Website: www.emilymackie.com.au Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie Lizzy Dawson Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au Instagram: @lizzydawson_

In this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson explores the evolving landscape of early intervention in Australia, including the proposed Thriving Kids model and ongoing NDIS reforms. She breaks down what’s currently known, what remains uncertain, and how these changes may impact families, clinicians, and allied health providers. Lizzy discusses the shift toward earlier, community-based supports for children aged 0–8, potential changes to therapy delivery, and key concerns across the sector — including implementation clarity, service gaps, and the future of one-on-one therapy. She also shares practical ways clinicians can prepare through collaboration, advocacy, and upskilling. This episode offers clarity and guidance for professionals and families navigating one of the biggest shifts in early intervention services in recent years. Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive Follow on Instagram → @movetalkthrive Watch full episodes → Move.Talk.Thrive YouTube Connect with the Hosts Emily Mackie Website: www.emilymackie.com.au Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie Lizzy Dawson Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au Instagram: @lizzydawson_