Best Ben McFarland Podcasts (2024)

1
The one about "Left-Handedness" with Mark Stewart 30:25

1M ago30:25

30:25

In this final episode of the season, Glenn has been talking to Mark Stewart. A search for left-handed scissors for his son has led to a remarkable career supporting left handed people inculding producing a variety of resources to help left-handed children, as well as for their parents and teachers, such as the activity book" So You Think They're Le…

1
Chris Tuttle on Ukraine & TikTok; Maldivian Elections, Niger, and Blinken Visits China 28:34

2M ago28:34

28:34

13:10 - Interview with Chris Tuttle This week, Kelly and Freddie talk through Secretary of State Blinken's recent visit to China, U.S. troops leaving Niger, and an election in Maldives that saw the country move closer to China. Kelly then talks with Chris Tuttle, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, about recent Congressional action o…

1
The one about "the joy of play" with Ben Kingston-Hughes 36:36

2M ago36:36

36:36

Glenn was delighted to welcome back the Author, Trainer, Play Specialist and Managing Director of Inspired Children working with vulnerable children across the UK, Ben Kingston-Hughes. In this edition Ben was talking about his new book "Why Children Need Joy: the fundamental truth about childhood" and how we all need the magical joy of play in our …

1
Yuki Tatsumi on the US-Japan Summit; Iran's strike on Israel, Ecuador's Embassy Raid, and Turkish Municipal Elections 28:41

2M ago28:41

28:41

10:40 - Interview with Yuki Tatsumi. This week, Kelly and Freddie talk through Iran's Strike on Israel, Ecudaro's raid on the Mexican embassy in Quito, and the losses for President Erdogan's party in recent Turkish municipal elections. Kelly then talks with the Stimson Center's Yuki Tatsumi about the recent summit between the US, Japan, and the Phi…

1
The one about "Scheme" with Lynnette Brock 36:48

2M ago36:48

36:48

Lynnette Brock is the director and co-founder of SchemaPlay Community Interest Company. Her early years journey began in maintained and Montessori nursery schools in London, where their passion for nurturing young minds was ignited. In 2016, they embarked on a collaborative research project, alongside Professor John Siraj-Blatchford. This work led …

1
Military Strategy & The War in Ukraine with Lt Gen Ben Hodges 31:41

3M ago31:41

31:41

Kelly speaks with Lt. Gen (ret.) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe, about the effect of the Ukraine War on military tactics and strategy. Prior to retiring from the armed forces in 2018, Lieutenant General (ret.) Ben Hodges served as Commanding General of the U.S. Army in Europe. He consults for several companies on Europe, …

1
The one about "connection" with Teresa Robinson 33:54

3M ago33:54

33:54

Using a holistic approach and a deep understanding of child development, Teresa Robinson was able to devise an approach to children's learning that truly puts the child at the heart of everything we do. You can find out more about the approach on Teresa's website: https://nopencilrequired.co.uk/By Glenn Denny

1
Dr. Ken Opalo on Sudan's Civil War; Updates on Gaza and Haiti 31:27

3M ago31:27

31:27

10:25 - Interview with Dr. Ken Opalo This week, Kelly and Freddie provide updates on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the evolving crisis in Haiti, and Kelly talks with Georgetown Professor Ken Opalo for a deep dive into Sudan's civil war. Dr. Opalo is an associate professor at the Georgetown University Walsh School of Foreign Service, where …

1
The one about "protecting" with Rachel Buckler 35:10

3M ago35:10

35:10

Rachel Buckler has worked in the safeguarding and children protection arena for 30 years Her book 'Developing Child-Centred Practice for Safeguarding and Child Protection. Strategies for every early years setting' was published by Routledge as part of their Little Mind Matters series, in February 2023. She's a regular writer and contributor for Nur…

1
The Russo-Chinese Alliance and Great Power Competition with Dr. Tom Lynch 32:55

4M ago32:55

32:55

Season 6 Episode 6. This week, Kelly talks with retired army officer and National Defense University research fellow Dr. Tom Lynch about the impact of Ukraine's war on great power conflict and US-China competition. Dr. Thomas Lynch is an adjunct professor of Security Studies at Georgetown University and distinguished research fellow for South Asia …

1
The one about "neuro-inclusion" with Cheryl Warren 33:11

4M ago33:11

33:11

Glenn's guest, for this edition, is Cheryl Warren, she has 30 years of experience within the early years sector and is now a consultant and award-winning trainer, working with nurseries and schools across the UK. Her passion and specialism for understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity within early years is impactful and comes from the heart, a…

1
Jacqueline Charles on the crisis in Haiti; EU's Net-Zero Industry Act, Russia's Space Nukes 33:28

4M ago33:28

33:28

10:40 - Interview with Jacqueline Charles In our seventh episode of Headlines and History, we discuss the recent political crisis in Haiti with Miami Herald report Jacqueline Charles, and Kelly covers the EU's Net-Zero Industry Act and reports of Russia's new space-based nuclear capabilities. Jacqueline Charles is the Haiti and Caribbean correspond…

1
The one about "Oliiki" with Clare Stead 35:43

4M ago35:43

35:43

In our latest episode of the second season, Glenn is joined by Clare Stead, who is the creator and founder of the Oliiki app, an evidence-based app for parents and educators who spend time with babies in the first 1000 days of life. She is a primary teacher, education researcher and e-Learning specialist, now focused on working with parents to help…

1
Beverly Ochieng on Senegal's Constitutional Crisis; El Salvador Election, Sweden's NATO accession, World Cup Diplomacy 26:39

4M ago26:39

26:39

11:50 - Interview with Beverly Ocheing on Senegal In our sixth episode of Headlines and History, we discuss the recent crisis in Senegal and its implications for West Africa with Beverly Ochieng, and Kelly covers recent news out of El Salvador, Sweden & NATO, and the 2026 Soccer World Cup. Beverly Ochieng is a senior digital journalist and Africa s…

1
Christine Michienzi on The Ukraine War and the Defense-Industrial Base 28:22

5M ago28:22

28:22

Season 6, Episode 5. Today, we’ll be covering the effects of the War in Ukraine on supply chains, the defense-industrial base, and the private sector. Kelly McFarland talks to Christine Micheinzi, a former senior executive at the U.S. Department of Defense, about how the global economy and defense industry are trying to deal with the knock-on effec…

1
The one about "self-care and well-being" with Dan McFarland 49:17

5M ago49:17

49:17

Dan McFarland (AKA Mr Mc) is from the glorious seaside town of Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, although they currently live in Leicester. He has been a prominent figure on social media for a while, particularly with their “flying with phonics scheme” and has worked hard to develop continuous provision that not only inspires children but makes them f…

1
Joanna Lewis on COP28, Taiwan Election Fallout, Ukraine-Congress Update, Somaliland Deal 29:19

5M ago29:19

29:19

In our fifth episode of Headlines and History, we discuss the outcome of the COP28 conference in Dubai with Joanna Lewis, the fallout from Taiwan's Presidential election, the new deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland, and give an update on the status of military aid to Ukraine currently stalled in Congress. Joanna Lewis is a distinguished associate …

1
The one about "toys for all" with Dr Sarah Goldsmith 33:16

5M ago33:16

33:16

In this edition of the podcast, Glenn is delighted to discuss the amazing work of Dr Sarah Goldsmith and her PhD entitled "Girls' toys and 'boys' toys: learning through play" and how we still have work to do to make our settings inclusive to all.By Glenn Denny

1
The one about "EYFS School Leadership" with Michelle Hauge 35:04

5M ago35:04

35:04

Glenn's guest for this week, Michelle Hague, is an accomplished and inspirational school leader with a track record of developing high-performing cultures, systems, and strategies to enhance academic standards. With experience as a Rapid School Improvement Partner, Head of School Development, Head of an Outstanding School and an Early Years Ofsted …

1
The one about "play cycles" with Dr Pete King 35:08

6M ago35:08

35:08

Having met at the IPA Conference in Glasgow, Glenn was delighted to have Dr Pete King as a guest for this edition. Together they talk about his work extending the use and knowledge of Play Cycles in identifying and observing children's play.By Glenn Denny

1
Holiday Bonus: UN World Basketball Day & Sports Diplomacy with Lindsay Krasnoff 27:46

6M ago27:46

27:46

Season 6 Bonus Episode. Today, we’ll be talking about basketball and the power of sports diplomacy as we celebrate World Basketball Day – the first sport ever to receive the honor from the United Nations – which now takes place every year on December 21st. Today, Kelly talks with Lindsay Krasnoff about basketball and the history of sports diplomacy…

1
The one about a "balanced workforce" with Ryan Bradshaw 33:43

6M ago33:43

33:43

This week's guest is the brilliant Ryan Bradshaw, a preschool room leader with over 7 years of experience in Early Years. Ryan recently completed his BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies with a dissertation entitled 'Exploring the challenges and barriers on recruiting men in nursery settings in the UK' as he believes passionately in a diverse workf…

1
Professor Erica Marat on Russia's Sphere of Influence 39:10

7M ago39:10

39:10

Season 6, Episode 4. For this season’s theme, we’ll be covering the litany of unintended consequences and strategic surprises emanating from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. From energy to technology to intelligence to geopolitical alignment, Russia’s invasion marks a sea change in numerous areas of diplomacy and foreign policy. We’ll be getting toget…

1
Headlines and History 4: Jeremi Suri on Henry Kissinger's legacy, COP28, Sikh Separatist Assassinations 26:03

7M ago26:03

26:03

In Diplomatic Immunity's new format, Headlines and History, we take listeners through a roundup of the most important headlines you may have missed in foreign policy and diplomacy, and take a deep dive into our most pressing topic with an expert conversation. Each week, we will alternate between Headlines and History and our regular Diplomatic Immu…

1
The one about "quality interactions" with Jordan Tully 32:35

7M ago32:35

32:35

In this second edition of season 2, Glenn has been chatting with the head of operations for Ashbourne Day Nurseries, Jordan Tully about the meaning of quality and quality interactions. What does quality mean to him and how does he implement that through the nurseries he looks after.By Glenn Denny

1
Former Ambassadors John Heffern and Alper Coşkun - The Resurgence & Unity of NATO 31:45

7M ago31:45

31:45

Season 6, Episode 3. For this season’s theme, we’ll be covering the litany of unintended consequences and strategic surprises emanating from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. From energy to technology to intelligence to geopolitical alignment, Russia’s invasion marks a sea change in numerous areas of diplomacy and foreign policy. We’ll be getting toget…

1
Headlines and History 3: Rita Konaev on Ukraine's Counteroffensive, Biden-Xi Summit, Liberia, Argentina, and Sudan 30:58

7M ago30:58

30:58

In Diplomatic Immunity's new format, Headlines and History, we take listeners through a roundup of the most important headlines you may have missed in foreign policy and diplomacy, and take a deep dive into our most pressing topic with an expert conversation. Each week, we will alternate between Headlines and History and our regular Diplomatic Immu…

1
The one about "self-regulation" with Vince Macleod 32:24

7M ago32:24

32:24

In this edition, Glenn talks to Vince Macleod, an Early Years lecturer with the prestigious Norland College in Bath. They talk about self-regulation and co-regulation and their importance in understanding and supporting behaviour in children.By Glenn Denny

1
Eurasia Group's Gregory Brew - The War in Ukraine and Global Energy Markets 32:36

7M ago32:36

32:36

Season 6, Episode 2. For this season’s theme, we’ll be covering the litany of unintended consequences and strategic surprises emanating from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. From energy to technology to intelligence to geopolitical alignment, Russia’s invasion marks a sea change in numerous areas of diplomacy and foreign policy. We’ll be getting toget…

1
Headlines and History 2: Andrew Imbrie on AI, Subnational Diplomacy, US-China Nuclear Talks, and Pacific Island Diplomacy 31:19

8M ago31:19

31:19

In Diplomatic Immunity's new format, Headlines and History, we take listeners through a roundup of the most important headlines you may have missed in foreign policy and diplomacy, and take a deep dive into our most pressing topic with an expert conversation. Each week, we will alternate between Headlines and History and our regular Diplomatic Immu…

1
Former Deputy CIA Director Mike Morell - The Role of Intelligence in War and Diplomacy 33:04

8M ago33:04

33:04

Season 6, Episode 1. For this season’s theme, we’ll be covering the litany of unintended consequences and strategic surprises emanating from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. From energy to technology to intelligence to geopolitical alignment, Russia’s invasion marks a sea change in numerous areas of diplomacy and foreign policy. We’ll be getting toget…

1
Headlines and History 1: Liberia, Poland, Russia, and Dan Byman on Hamas 26:20

8M ago26:20

26:20

In Diplomatic Immunity's new format, Headlines and History, we take listeners through a roundup of the most important headlines you may have missed in foreign policy and diplomacy, and take a deep dive into our most pressing topic with an expert conversation. Each week, we will alternate between Headlines and History and our regular Diplomatic Immu…

1
The one about "Peep" with Jordan Stewart 33:36

11M ago33:36

33:36

In the final edition for this season of circle time - the early years podcast, we're talking about children's language and building parents' confidence to support language development. Glenn has been talking to Jordan Stewart, Scotland Development Manager for the Peep project, who train an army of Peep Practitioners to deliver parent friendly sessi…

1
The one about "slow" with Professor Alison Clark 31:51

12M ago31:51

31:51

In this edition, Glenn talks about “Slow Pedagogy with Professor Alison Clark, who is an honorary research fellow at UCL London and a lecturer with the University of South-Eastern Norway. Her book “Slow knowledge and the unhurried child” is out now. Professor Clark can be found on Twitter: @westrayalison The link to the Froebel project and video: h…

1
The one about "brains" with Debbie Garvey 33:03

1y ago33:03

33:03

On this edition of the podcast, Glenn is speaking to Debbie Garvey, an established early years writer, trainer, and speaker. She's passionately committed to Inclusion, Diversity in Early Childhood and her latest book, Little Brains Matter, a practical guide to Brain Development and Neuroscience in Early Childhood, is out now.…

1
Season 5 Wrap-Up with Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis and Tressa Finerty 29:21

1y ago29:21

29:21

Season 5, Episode 8: Our tour through the many fora of multilateral diplomacy is coming to an end. To help us wrap up season five, ISD's own Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis and Tressa Finerty join Dr. Kelly McFarland to explore key themes, re-examine the tough questions, and look forward to the future of consensus-driven multilateral diplomacy. Amba…

1
The one where "adults can play too" with Ben Kingston-Hughes 31:38

1y ago31:38

31:38

In this episode, Glenn talks to award-winning author and trainer Ben Kingston-Hughes about the power of play, how it should be redefined and how we as practitioners need to encourage parents to join in the play. Ben's book, "An unusual journey through play" is available to purchase now. You can find out more about Ben through his website: http://ww…

1
Food Security and the FAO with Beth Bechdol 46:12

1y ago46:12

46:12

Season 5, episode 7. The United Nations Security Council tends to capture the headlines, but throughout the United Nations system are dozens of organizations and agencies that make a substantial difference in our everyday lives. From standardizing rules around flight to providing data that shape global policy, these institutions are often the unsun…

1
The one about a "fun curriculum" with Dr Sue Allingham 37:32

1y ago37:32

37:32

In this edition, Glenn talks to Early Years trainer, author and consultant Dr Sue Allingham (Teddy Edward may also have been there) about how the importance of the child seems to be forgotten in our confusion over what an early years curriculum should look like. Find out more about Dr Sue Allingham on her website: https://eyoutofthebox.com/ And her…

1
The one about "chatty spaces" with Dr Tanya Richardson 29:46

1y ago29:46

29:46

In this episode, Glenn talks to Dr Tanya Richardson, a Senior lecturer at the University of Northampton, about her PhD istudy on the imapact of the environment on children's speech and language.By Glenn Denny

1
The one about "woodworking" with Pete Moorhouse 32:01

1y ago32:01

32:01

Glenn was excited about this opportunity to talk about the holistic learning benefits of using woodwork in the Early Years setting with renowned expert, Pete Moorhouse. To find out more about Pete's work, or access his online woodwork training course, visit his website: https://irresistible-learning.co.uk/ Woodwork online CPD course: https://irresi…

1
The Surprising Power of Peacekeeping with Dr. Lise Howard 29:45

1y ago29:45

29:45

Season 5, episode 6: Blue helmets have become one of the most visible signs of the UN in the world. These peacekeepers are sent where often nobody else wants to go and asked to accomplish what nobody else often will. After 70 years of service, UN peacekeeping has seen its successes and its well-publicized failures. So in this episode, we took a mor…

1
The one with the "politics of Early Years" with Neil Leitch 31:09

1y ago31:09

31:09

Glenn was privilleged to be joined by Neil Leitch, Chief Executive of England's largest Early Years membership organistation, to talk about the deep crisis the sector is in. For more information about the Early Years Alliance, please visit their website: https://www.eyalliance.org.uk/By Glenn Denny

1
The one about "love" with Tamsin Grimmer 32:12

1y ago32:12

32:12

Glenn is talking love with early years consultant, trainer and author Tamsin Grimmer, as she explains more about the term Loving Pedagogy and how it is important for settings to understand the act of professional love for children's development. You can visit Tamsin's website: https://www.tamsingrimmer.com/ And her book, "Developing a Loving Pedago…

1
BONUS: The New Fire: War, Peace, and Democracy in the Age of AI 35:55

1y ago35:55

35:55

Bonus: What, exactly, is AI? What are its applications? Why does it matter for national security and geopolitics? Will machines rise up and destroy us all?! Fellow Hoya Andrew Imbrie discussed these questions and more in a fascinating conversation on his new book, co-authored with Ben Buchannon, titled The New Fire: War, Peace, and Democracy in the…

1
The one with "parents and partnerships" with Sarah Hardwell 32:00

1+ y ago32:00

32:00

Glenn has been chatting with friend, colleague, Nursery Director and passionate advocate of all things Early Years, Sarah Hardwell, about the huge importance of partnerships with parents and families and why it truly does "take a village to raise a child".By Glenn Denny

1
Cooperating on European Security with Allison Hart 32:41

1+ y ago32:41

32:41

Season 5, episode 5. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has posed an existential crisis for numerous multilateral institutions, worsening several ongoing global issues such as food insecurity while also upending the architecture of European Security. Few organizations understand that or deal with that more than the Organization for Security and Cooper…

1
"I asked for ice, but this is ridiculous." 51:26

1+ y ago51:26

51:26

Hotel, Motel, Is That Your Foreskin? This week's pod recalls Tom's unfortunate and minor (very minor) costume malfunction on stage at the Alnwick Playhouse before raising a Rob Roy in memory of the Waldorf Astoria and exploring the ale-loving entrepreneur who invented Cat's Eyes. Get your Worthington White Shield here: £3.59 from Beers of Europe Ro…

1
The one about "PE" with Josh Candy 33:34

1+ y ago33:34

33:34

With so little help and support for Early Years Physical Education, Glenn was delighted to chat with Early Years teacher of physical education and development, Josh Candy. Josh has been posting videos on his LinkedIn profile showing how he puts together his lessons each week. They are truly inspiring videos for practitioners to watch and take ideas…

1
Public Enemas & Jiggers With Altitude 58:08

1+ y ago58:08

58:08

This week, we hark back to the halcyon days when strangers blew smoke up the bottoms of wet people and, in the whining words of Liam Gallagher, things get supersonic with a gin and tonic as we celebrate the birth of Concorde. Oaxaca Old Fashioned (created by Phil Ward in New York) 40ml Fortaleza Reposado Tequila 12.5ml Lost Explorer Mezcal 1 barspo…

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